(06 Nov 2013, 4:43 pm)Tom wrote I've saw all of these services on a Monday to Friday peak time in a half term. The short 39's generally leave Park Lane with very little passengers, if any! However, this seems logical. They are really there to pick up commuters from Doxford Park.
The 60/61 has always been a popular service. The normally leave full, however I must say the 60 is a more popular service than the 61. It generally always seems busier.
The 238 usually only carries passengers on the 38 section of the route. Having rode the service (a very long ride) from Houghton to Sunderland, there weren't many passengers Houghton-Seaham, however picked up at Seaham.
The 60 has always been slightly busier than the 61, but both have decent loading. The 238 is one of those services where it's brought a new link which I think works well although it's not a massively popular one. It sees use for scholars between Saint Aidan's and Seaham, it provides another bus along the 38 section. And also provides essential connections around Dene House Road & Northlea. Seaham to Houghton isn't a massively popular connection but does see use with college students going to Shiney Row and there are a steady number of passengers on the section.