I understand it would be a fair increase in PVR, but it hasn't changed other areas getting similar improvements aka 19/335/350/351
It would open loads of new links and the two routes combined in the Birtley area would give a 30 minute headway on the most important section.
Don't see why it couldn't work as there's enough points to get people using it ie.
Birtley - Wrekenton - QE - Felling - Heworth - Leam Lane - Follingsby - Usworth - Concord - Peel Retail Park - Washington Village - Washington Galleries - Birtley ...
The current 82 already does most the route anyway.