It could mean anything about the 24 possibly becoming branded to be fair. When Openline first started a good few years ago, I suggested the idea of branding the 160 as Metrolink M4, back when each Metrolink service M1/M2/M3 had their own vinyls on the corporate liveried Scania L94's and MPD's. I was told that there were plans in place for the 160 route to join the Black Cats brand. From this, I assumed that the 160 would become a Black Cats branded service alongside the 26/36; so it took me by surprise when the Black Cats 26 was re-routed to Heworth instead, replacing the 160.

I'm sure something like this wouldn't happen with the 24 though - like half of the 51's/52's via 24 route between Wrekenton and Gateshead and half via existing route along Dryden Road. That would be too much of a reduction in frequency for many passengers in the area. I hope the 24 number is retained whatever may happen; I like it and it seems like a canny service.