A complete refocus of attitude back to buses existing to serve people, not people being there to serve bus operators
One of the biggest failings, in my opinion, is that we've lost focus over decades of why buses exist in the first place. Running a public service and running a private business are incompatible with each other, which I think is why that focus has been lost (or at least changed). Until we start to admit that we are a public service, and that we run as a public service, I don't think we'll ever get back to a point where we're serving the good people of the North East.

A fully integrated public transport network
OK, I appreciate the question is bus-focused, but for the power of franchising to be present, we've got a Metro Mayor with the power to do all of this. Needing a 'London-style' comes up a lot, and I really hate that phrase, but it doesn't negate from the fact we need a fully integrated public transport network. We need to come up with our own solution though, and not copy someone else's. Buses play a massive role, but they can't be the whole solution. It needs proper integration with a network of Metro, Rail, Tram and even the Shields Ferry. It needs to be simple, it needs to be one app/smart card, one ticket provider, without the complications of working out cheapest options.

Young persons free travel
A roll out of free travel to Under 22s, similar to the Scottish Government scheme. This is normally met with "How much will it cost?", without really looking at the socioeconomic such policy would deliver. It'd directly tackle child poverty for a start, but it also sets good habits for the future, in walking to stops or Metro stations. For those of a working age, minimum wage up to 20 is only £7.49, so it would allow people to travel further afield for work.
I also think that if something is free, with a really good transport network, they're less likely to be in a massive rush to get on the road or behind a wheel. One difference to the Scotland scheme, and something that Mayor Jamie Driscoll has spoken about, is that I would agree with him that the delivery of the free travel is actually a season ticket with 100% discount applied. What that means, is anyone caught acting in an antisocial manner, they'd simply have their smart card frozen, suspended or permanently withdrawn. It moves free travel away to a privilege to enjoy, rather than being a right.