(24 Feb 2014, 4:27 pm)Tom wrote A increase in frequency between Sunderland and Peterlee would be good, as the last few times I've seen it it's normally been standing room only leaving Sunderland. Not sure about the Peterlee-Middlesbrough section though.

Peterlee - Middlesbrough is alright too from what I've seen and I suspect that's because of the gap between the X7 and X9 at Peterlee. Even though the X9 would get there faster, there's 20 minutes to wait.
I think the majority of fare paying customers wouldn't mind that 20 minute wait though as they can charge their devices etc whilst on the X9, whereas older passengers may just get on the X7 so they're not cold and they're safe in the knowledge they will get to Middlesbrough on time, as planned.

Middlesbrough - Peterlee is the disappointing bit, but that links in with the X9 departing 9 minutes before it...