(28 Feb 2014, 12:56 pm)AdamY wrote Sort of. The 56 didn't appear until the early-80's after cross-Tyne services were curtailed to either Gateshead or Newcastle. In 1979, the 56 operated between Gateshead and Team Valley via Saltwell Road and Western Avenue - the forerunner to what became the 956.
The 7 went through an additional number change (I'm guessing 1973-ish) before it eventually became the 56.
I'll dig out the timetable and post it once I get back from work.
Interesting.
I know a lot of the 2x services were Fawdon - Beacon Lough estates/QE type services.
But never knew about this route.
It could be (using wild logic), that the 7 changed to a 2x number, prior to eventually becoming the 56.