You can't compare with the X84/85 anyway, given they morphed from a couple of pre-existing services ie the 684 and 687. They've been massively successful yes but, in the case of the X84 in particular, much of its custom base (being the longer of the expresses) are simply people who used the 684 anyway. Certainly in my experience, that's the busier of the two routes in any case.
GNE have no such services to morph into competitors for the X2/12 and therefore brings with it greater risk!
RE: Arriva North East: Latest News & Discussion - March 2015