(16 Apr 2014, 9:05 am)Michael wrote Not sure on how they would change the routes of the 18 and 19?

Any ideas?

No idea on route changes, but looking at the route, there obviously isn't the demand for passengers travelling between Grindon and Southwick or Grangetown and Grindon (two of the very few unique sections).
There is plenty choice between Sunderland and Grangetown, Sunderland & Southwick and Seaburn & Sunderland too.

No idea how long the route has been going, but guessing it must have existed in some form when the pit and ship yards were still big employers and the big factories were about in the Grangetown areas.
Obviously they have gone now and if the service isn't carrying that many passengers as you say, there needs to be something done.