I don't know anyone who has switched to GNE tbf, just the opposite.

I know someone who moved from Gateshead to Yorkshire to work somewhere that doesn't involve using the 21/N21.
I also know other former regular users of GNE, who have learnt to drive in the past year and now drive everywhere instead or get lifts if they're drinking. All were on current and former X-lines routes.

Personally, I only hop on a GNE bus if I need to get back to the car quickly - as I usually park+walk a mile or two away from where I need to be, when in places like Newcastle, Sunderland and Gateshead.