(06 Sep 2014, 4:02 pm)aureolin wrote X6 - Durham to Darlington, via this route: https://goo.gl/maps/sf26I
I don't think it's worth going head to head with Arriva's 7 straight down the A167, hence turning on to the A1 between junctions 59 and 60. This, and the short stretch along the A689 between junction 60 on the A1 and Sedgefield, would allow the bus to catch up to timetable if delayed in either Durham or Darlington.
It would of course provide new links, such as Darlington, Sedgefield, Coxhoe, Bowburn, Shincliffe, Durham Uni, and New Elvet, in what I'd reckon could be done in an hour. 9 minutes faster than the 7. If it were timed right, and linked with the X21 for connections, then you're providing an hour and a half express between Darlington and Newcastle. Very similar to the Pronto X21 between Bishop and Newcastle.
Potential operation for Crook too!
Good idea.
I suggested a similar idea a while back, but proposed it went through Aycliffe and then onto the A1 from the A689.