The S1 was a circular past the swimming baths in South Shields, it did a loop around Haven point and came back via Ocean Road.

Also we talking about the full route in general being short, we aren't talking about short workings.

Speaking of the S1 in South Shields, it did remind me of the South Shields Shuttle with ran from the Market to Gypsy Green roundabout, that was about 2.5km in one direction, and ran using open top Olympians. https://flickr.com/photos/gjm-photogenic/50814748077