It seems 'Commuter Express' runs are on their way out at least under current circumstances and its not just here, Green Line routes are being withdrawn and King's Ferry are also scrapping their commuter express runs after service on Friday due to reduced demand since COVID hit.

COVID seems to have been one of the biggest killers for the X9/X10 as it has been for the last several years due to less people travelling because of restrictions and feeling uneasy about travelling or going out in general.

I think other factors have also led to its downfall over the years such as reliability such as breakdowns, late running, works at Testos, I wouldn't be surprised if some changes that went with the introduction of coaches being introduced also were a factor for its demise such as being less accessible for those with mobility issues (Arriva got loads of complaints when they made their X66 between Darlington & Middlesbrough coach operated in the past) and also pulling the service out of Eldon Square, have encountered passengers asking in Eldon Square for a bus to Middlesbrough with some even opting for the X12 due to them being unaware of the X9/X10 being moved out and just assume its been withdrawn. The train has also been a challenge to compete with, although it hasn't gone near to Peterlee for years, the opening of Horden Station in the last year may have impacted the numbers with some who may have travelled into Peterlee previously instead travelling to Horden Station and getting the train in and let's face it, where would rather wait, a well lit train station or a little grotty shelter on the slip-road to the A19?

Similar issues have fallen on the X85 except with that one they've tried to go against the train by making it faster and running it into the evening but at the expense of omitting Heddon & Horsley which resulted into the passengers being left with the longer journey on the X84 into Hexham or the 685 and whilst there may be three buses an hour between Hexham and Newcastle (excluding 10 & 74) they leave Hexham Bus Station within the space of 6 minutes during off peak hours (X85: 39 mins past, 685: 44 mins past, X84: 45 mins past) what use is that?! It's actually the thing that's stopped me going to Hexham as there's times I've thought about doing some of the other runs around Hexham but put off when I find I have something like 40 minutes to wait for a bus because all three leave at virtually the same time.

The driver shortages and articles being published stating such is off putting to passenger and not exactly going to attract many if you know this, even less so when the shortages actually fall on you, I hate a bus being cancelled on the Sapphire 7 with a 20 minute frequency, what must people think on a less frequent route like the above? Doesn't even need to actually happen, just the thought that it *could* happen is off putting for many, myself included.