Many examples of where it's easier to take two or even three buses opposed to one...
Boldon to Houghton: Could take the 35, although it would be faster to take the 50 to Washington and change to the X1, or take the 9 to Sunderland and connect with the 20.

Metrocentre to Whitley Bay: Could take the 1A, although it would be faster to take the 10 to Newcastle, and change to the 309.

Hebburn to Murton: Could take the 9, although it is so much faster using the 27 to Heworth, changing to the X10 to Dalton Park and boarding the 9 there.

I understand the 9 doesn't go to Murton anymore, although that was one example of where taking 3 buses is faster than staying on the direct one.