Yeah, the 34/34a get used. It is the only service that goes around Urpeth Grange and also Pelaw Estate - but not sure the demand, is enough to justify a 15min combined frequency.
Mind, not sure the 28/28a justifies a 30min combined frequency beyond Pelton - so AdamY's suggestion might be worth bearing in mind.
If there were changes, it will be interesting to see how the services are routed around Ouston/Urpeth Grange. At the moment, the 34's operate anti-clockwise, so that it passengers don't have to cross roads etc (not sure if anyone is familiar with the estate). However, in Ouston, it stops where the Newcastle bound 28s stop (Chester bound 28s don't have any common stops with a Chester bound 34 until the two in Perkinsville).
RE: Go North East