I think something needs to be done with the X10 connections 

Peterlee for the 206 you've got about a 20 minute wait to get to Newcastle or Middlesbrough. 

208 you've got either a 15 min wait or a 55 min wait

239 from Newcastle is pretty well timed.

However especially from Dalton park I was getting the bus from Middlesbrough to Newcastle the other night, and I saw on the departure board that there wasn't a 61 for 25 mins towards Murton, Sunderland around 45 mins and there were no 65's.

Going towards Middlesbrough there is a 65 timed to Seaham around 15 mins after it left, and then you have a 10-20 min wait for a 60 if you want to go to Sunderland/Ryhope or to Seaham/Parkside. 

And the connections is probably why people pick the train. GNE should introduce better timed services for X10. 61 towards Murton & Sunderland, 65 towards Seaham for the X10 from Newcastle & Middlesbrough. They should also bring in fares for X10 service + Seaham & Murton Services, aswell as X10 Peterlee Services with greater connections. E.g 206 should come in 10 mins before the X10 is due to depart for Newcastle, and leave 5 mins after X10 is due to come in for Middlesbrough.