I used Northern the other day from Newcaslte to Middlesbrough and back and I must say my past opinion on trains were not good tbh, however with an open mind I ventured into Central Station, I arrived on the Platform this is when we were told the train was cancelled, wasn't a big deal only had to wait 45, my only dread was that it was going to be rammed, nevertheless I came back and waited around 15 mins for my train, it was a 158 which was nice, managed to grab a table, USB's worked (that was nice) was able to open my laptop and do some work. Then on my return the train wasn't cancelled which was good, and it was a pleasure ride back. 

However compared to the bus I would say, I would pick the X10 if I had to get up early as the first X10 I think it around 1 hour 10 mins before the first train, and the last X10 is later than the train. If the X10 USB's worked all the time I wouldn't mind, aswell the train never seemed as busy as the bus it could be and probably is that it has much higher capacity, so it would be nice if the X10/X9 was reintroduced at every 30 mins to make sure there are enough seats for people, and not really 2-4 random people sharing a table. I do prefer the tables on GNE's buses as they do pull out and my laptop fits in it nicely compared to the train unless you're at the window. 

I think comfort was pretty even for sitting wise both sets of seats where nice, tho I did appreciate the headrests being higher and again the USB chargers working, I don't mind the extra 20-30 mins on the X10 but If I were to do that daily it would probably become quite draining. However if it was raining I would pick the bus as waiting in Central Station when its raining or windy is not very nice. 

Overall I think what needs to be improved is the flexibility, for instance I should be able to catch the ealier morning X10 to Middlesbrough from Gateshead/Newcastle and in the other way aswell from Middlesbrough to Gateshead/Newcastle. And be able to chose whether to get the train or the X10 I think possibly the trains and GNE should possibly partner up with the X10 going via Central Station with either the X10/Train every 30 mins down key parts of the line. But you could also advertise the connects e.g X10/Train to Seaham/Dalton Park 5 min walk to 60/65 connect with Murton/Seaham/Ryhope. Or X10 Dalton Park connection with the 61 to Murton, 65 to Seaham which connects with the 60, or X10/Train to Peterlee/Horden with the 209/210 connecting with the 206 or 208.