To go from the vehicles they had on it over the years ranging from deckers to Solars, to increasing the frequency, to then sticking artics on them, which see high passenger numbers South of the river in particular, it doesnt make sense to then replace these bigger vehicles with smaller ones.
When I have seen the 58, loadings don't seem high around Leam Lane Estate, but pick up as it heads towards Newcastle and vice versa from Newcastle towards Leam Lane. It might be different at certain times of the day though.
With some of the tight turns in the estate, Im very surprised there haven't been any accidents or cars being clipped (or many reported publically anyway)
If the Streelites are being bought for the 58, then maybe there is going to be some sort of re-jig of the service.
With the state of the roads across Gateshead, they aint going to do these lightweight vehicles any favours.
RE: Go North East