Maybe a simple rebrand for the X21/X22 could have the service back on track?
If there are going to be new buses for the X21/X22 next year, why not rename it Sapphire Express? Change the numbers to X41/X42, so the farce of the X21/X22 disappears.
Change the "swirls" to a dashed effect, so more dashed and thinner at the bottom to less dashed and bolder towards the top.
This is a suggestion that keeps the Sapphire name, but modifies it.
RE: Arriva North East: Service Suggestions