Finally tried the X24, enjoyed it.

Certainly preferable comfort wise over the Metro (or the Nothern pacers) and light years ahead of the X36. The seats really are comfortable.

If you can get the emergency exit, the legroom is superb! Those seats also have car style aircon vents which were very welcome as it was so bloody warm

I found the interior a little too dark with those heavily tinted windows and The Omnicitiy felt a little sluggish at times, particularly on hill climbs.

Journey time and the central location of both stops was a plus. There were 15 of us from Newcastle and 6 from Sunderland (tho this return was the 4.07 so expected it t be quiet)