(24 Nov 2013, 3:28 pm)Tom wrote I was travelling around on the X3/X36 yesterday, and realized the X3 shouldn't be withdrawn at all. The X3 came into Newcastle with a reasonable load, and left with me and about 10 passengers. Then a few people got on at Gateshead/Heworth. Then there was a few people that got on at Boldon ASDA, but after there the bus had a full standing load. There was quite a few fare payers too! However, it did leave Park Lane with only 1 passenger.
On the other hand, the X36 was fairly quiet. I boarded at Park Lane and there was only 4 or 5 other passenger on, and no-one got on at Fawcett Street. However loads got on around Southwick/Downhill, but mainly for local journeys. Then it was only me on from Heworth to Gateshead.
If the X3 got busy between Boldon Asda and Park Lane Interchange, then these passengers could of easily boarded the service 9 between Boldon Asda and Park Lane Interchange.