(24 Feb 2014, 4:32 pm)Dan wrote 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...
Possibly it could work if a new X8 service could be introduced from Sunderland to Hartlepool, an express service in competition with the X7 if/when Crusader Mercs come available?