In order for GNE to succeed again in West Durham, I'd say at the bare minimum they'd need a competitor to the X46, X1, 5 and 6. That would give them coverage of Bishop Auckland, West Auckland, Crook, Willington, Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, and Darlington.
In my opinion that would give them enough reach to make travelling GNE in this area worthwhile, now that still wouldn't account for the passengers travelling further afield on Arriva services, but it would at least give them an offering through the key routes so passengers would have less of a reliance on Arriva
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions v2