Don't really know where to put this but would a regular river bus up the Tyne (every 20 mins) be a good idea.

Start at either North or South Shields and serve, Jarrow, St Anthonys, Friars Goose, Quayside, Dunston, Metrocentre and Newburn. 

I wanted to go further west but I don't thinkthere will be enough water and can't really do one on the Wear due the waterfalls around Chester & Durham.