I have thought about it in the past, but it would mean a total rejig of the 79/79a timetable (79a is an extension of the 79).
Due to the timings/route of the 79a - it comes at something like 2130, 2235 and 2340.
The X1 gets in to Houghton at 2145, 2215, 2245, 2315 and on a Saturday, 2345.
If the 4, which arrives into Houghton just after 11, was to head back out on a run (even as far as Fatfield), it could easily pick up passengers from the 2230 ex Eldon Square X1.
A full run of the 4 at 2308 from Heworth , would offer an alternative to the 56 and the Saturday only 2300 X1 ex Eldon Square. It would arrive in Houghton at 2345 before scooting off NIS.
RE: GNE Bus Changes.
'Illegitimis non carborundum'