The X85 normally has very poor passenger numbers. Yesterday, one only left with approx. 5 passengers. However, the X84 is a very popular service. It is considerably busier than the X85.

However, the 685 has been quite busy too. Not sure if this is because of passengers travelling further than Hexham or not. Yesterday a X84 was 10 minutes late so the 685 took all the passengers and left full. I'd hate to see the 685 and X84/X85 withdrawn as a result of these new services because passenger numbers aren't good on either services, but I personally don't think this will happen. The 685 has been around for years.