I recently took the opportunity of a first time in many years ride on the 13 after earlier noticing it being operated towards Lochend by ECLs Citylink Irizar coach. I boarded at the top of Broughton Road and got off in Princes Street. There were three people on when I boarded. Two more got on in Broughton Road, one in Rodney Street and two in Dundas Street. Two got off in Hanover Street.
I returned immediately as a late running 13 was coming along, a more usual Enviro 200. Three people who were tourists got off after checking with the driver how to get to Waverley Station. Four more who were dressed up for an afternoon out got off in George Street. This left me and two others. One got off in Dundas Street. Nobody else got on, not even at Tesco in Broughton Road before I got off at the next stop.
This was mid-afternoon so just a snapshot but I do wonder how many people regularly use this hourly service. In recent times Lothian have adjusted service 10 to run along McDonald Road after the tramline completion. Service 9 follows the 13 route between Rodney Street and Hanover Street. Service 36 connects Broughton Road with Queensferry Street by a different route. I would argue these would rule out needing a council subsidised route in those areas.
Albert Street/Dalmeny Street (one in each direction now on the 13) are no different in length from Iona Street or similar streets in other areas. The fact they, along with St Clair Street have been served by the 13 for decades is no reason to continue. Findlay Gardens is more recent but unsuitable for a frequent two way full size bus given the parking situation. There are many similar districts across the city without a bus service but plenty on nearby roads.
Maybe rerouting the 21 or 25 from Lochend Road to serve St Clair Street then Easter Road would work, but both are far more frequent than the 13.
Perhaps the 13 could divert at Easter Roaf and run to Dumbiedykes then on to George Street.