I have used the X3 quite a few times and it's hasn't been that busy tbh, minus one occasion 2 weeks ago when I got on it in Park Lane and did the full length to Eldon Square, and it was packed, even worse it was a bone breaking SPD. Although it takes an Hour, It felt like forever, especially to Boldon. I generally think it goes around the world before it actually gets anywhere, same with the X36 although I have never been on it, minus a short journey between Gateshead and Heworth.
For me I don't think running an Express from Sunderland via Boldon to Newcastle really works all that well tbh, although saying that if GNE were to move the stands on the X3/X36 so that were together along with the 56 in Park Lane, I think it maybe more successful. Whereas the likes of old X2/X4 and X85 were successful. If look at the current X3/X36 Timetables then go on the Bygone Era and look at the X2/X4 and X85, you'll find that they were quicker by a good couple of minutes.
Now I've looked on the Bygone Era and I found this http://northeastbuses.co.uk/archive/GoNo...il1967.pdf - Now this is from 1967 I know, but its a good example I think, back then there was an Express Service between Sunderland and Newcastle, and it took only 32 Minutes to go from A to B which is quite astonishing in my opinion as it takes an Hour from A to B on the X3/X36, Which is double the time. So in reality is the X3/X36 really an Express Service or is just a Normal Stopping Service with an "X" infront of the Number to make passengers think it's a fast link.
RE: Go North East Service Suggestions