(13 Mar 2015, 7:57 pm)Dan wrote I have a feeling that, if anything, only the passenger numbers on the Peterlee - Durham section of the route will grow.
Arriva haven't got any onward connections to offer in Sunderland; as such, anyone travelling from Peterlee to Sunderland is likely to use the X7 service, as they can connect to other services at Park Lane on a day ticket.
If people are travelling between Peterlee and Sunderland but don't need to head somewhere that Arriva doesn't operate would possibly more likely to use the 22/23 between Peterlee and Sunderland Park Lane as they are more frequent than the X7 unless there is some factor where people would choose the X7 like connecting from an East Durham service or continuing somewhere Arriva don't operate eg. Stadium of Light.
Also don't forget about the Dalton Park developments which may attract people from the likes of Wheatly Hill and Peterlee to Dalton Park as I think there is going to be a cinema built there? if so it would be the nearest cinema in the area and people may also be drawn to shopping at Morrisons.