Although I agree it would be nice to see the X24/X34 interwork with deckers, out of peak times I dont think the X24 would justify them. 

I think it is all down to the roadworks at Testo's thats causing the delays rather than being operated from Sunderland, the X34 was fine before the roadworks started. At least Sunderland have more spare vehicles than South Shields, to help combat the late running.