As far as I'm aware, the 8 lost its "Hail & Ride" operation when it also lost the Alexander Dash bodied Dennis Darts that ran the service... Good few years ago, that was!
Will be interesting to see if any additional bus shelters/stops are placed for the 8X though... Over the course of the route (one-way) it has two or three stops/shelters... The terminus at the Golden Lion public house doesn't even have a stop!