(15 Sep 2013, 11:24 am)W179SCU wrote I don't think the 307 will last for much longer. It has been empty since Arriva introduced the 51 (running about 10-15 mins ahead of the 307).
The X3/X36 is another service that I think will be withdrawn. The bus is usually full of OAPs. The two I saw weren't very good. The X36 was a bit better, but the X3 only had 4 passengers leaving Eldon Sqaure.
The 58 has very poor passenger numbers between Hadrian Park and Newcastle too. It only ever picks up at Hadrian Park, and never normally picks up anywhere else along the route which is a shame. I'd think more people would use it as it stops right in the centre of Newcastle, rather than Haymarket, but no. It is generally busy between Newcastle and Heworth though!
I'd agree with your point on the X3/X36. Whenever I've used it, there's only been a dozen get on at Sunderland. After that, I've practically had the bus to myself between Boldon and Heworth. You tend to get a few on at Heworth and Gateshead towards Newcastle, but there's already a bus every few minutes along that route.
On the 58. Although I only use it as far as Sandyford at most, I'd still say it gets a fair few beyond Newcastle towards Hadrian Park. It's heavily used throughout the day between Heworth and Newcastle though, which I'd say more than covers (with a tidy profit) the lighter loads to Hadrian Park.