The 34/34a do get quite busy at times and can be the only option for passengers on certain parts of the route. For those living in Ouston or Perkinsville say, it is the quickest option down to Chester opposed to the Waggonway services which when they turn up, go around the world via Pelton, Beamish, West Pelton and anywhere else along the way.
However, I don't think it needs the frequency it currently has. Maybe at peak times it does...
Early services run off a works service from Team Valley and run empty to Urpeth Grange, before doing a big loop of Ouston (and Urpeth Grange again) and heading back to Chester.

Although it goes into Pelaw Estate, from Pelton down to Chester, it also runs alongside the Lime. This section does not need as many buses operating along it. I'm doubtful the section up towards Waldridge needs as much either, although I haven't been up that way for a while. It certainly didn't when the 21b was working that way...