Probably in the Bygone thread but how long did the 722/723 used to take from Darlington to Newcastle? I'm guessing a fairly long whack.
Anyway my suggestion(s) for the X22
Current route then Retail World - Metrocentre ( a la 937 workings)
Or change if the 23 and run it the old 183 route, restoring the link for large parts of Harlow Green & Low Fell to the Metrocentre. (You'll still be able to flog purple day tickets to keep it commercially rewarding)
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions v2
Wistfully stuck in the 90s