(07 Jul 2015, 2:53 pm)Malarkey wrote What about this, few different alternatives.
X19 - South Shields - Town Hall - Westoe - Chichester - Dean Road - Tyne Dock - Newcastle Road A184/Leam Lane A194 (Non Stop) - Gateshead - Newcastle
X33 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Boldon Cineworld - Boldon Asda - Cleadon - Whitburn - Seaburn - Roker - Wheatsheaf - Sunderland City Centre
X34 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Boldon Cineworld - Boldon Asda - Whiteleas Bridge - Harton Nook - Horsley Hill - Marsden - A183 Coast Road - South Shields
X35 - Newcastle - Gateshead - Boldon Cineworld - Boldon Asda - Biddick Hall - West Harton - Chichester - Westoe - Town Hall - South Shields
Of those I think the X33 would be the best option, it would work in the same way the 56 does, not so much competing directly with the metro but providing local links, while not adding too many stopping points and with a simple route. Only problem is would it be any busier than the 558 which operates a similar route?