(08 Jan 2014, 6:59 pm)Dan wrote I'd disagree entirely.
The early morning runs from Newcastle into Sunderland often quiet, but in the other direction they're often quite full. Sundays are days where I find the Metros to and from Sunderland are incredibly quiet. Throughout the day, pretty stable loadings and you're often made to stand (depending on where you get on) - now that my local is Stadium of Light as opposed to University, Millfield or Park Lane, I find I often have to stand.
Obviously have nothing on the Newcastle - Pelaw section of the route, it goes without saying...
Once you pass the Uni to South Hylton, that's where it gets pointless and pretty much unused, but I'd actually say this is common of all the Metro network termini. Even (although less so) Newcastle Airport.
I agree, the only termini that is well used is South Shields.
How many people use it beyond Monument heading to St. James? Very few.