On the subject of express buses to Hartlepool, a couple of suggestions.
X5 - Newcastle - Gateshead - New Seaham - Easington - Horden - Blackhall - Hartlepool
X8 - Sunderland - Seaham - Easington - Horden - Blackhall - Hartlepool - Billingham - Middlesbrough
Both limited stop with X5 non-stop between Gateshead and Seaton via the A19 and A184.
Peterlee is well served currently from all the above so any diversion there would be a needless extension to the journey time.
The X5 would take about 1hour 25 while the X8 would take about an hour from Sunderland to Hartlepool then perhaps 30 minutes to Middlesbrough. (probably more like 45)
RE: Go North East Service Suggestions