Talking about exploiting travel opportunities and emerging travel patterns:

- 96/96A to replace Newcastle > Metrocentre part of 1A/1B. Interworking with the 57.

- 1 renumbered back to 301 (avoiding conflict with Arriva's 1 service). To / from Gateshead only and extended to Blyth (via Ridley Park), Cowpen and Cambois. Would provide new links between North Tyneside and Blyth as well as access to the new battery plant due to open in the next few years.