Would it not be better to Cut the 301 alltogether and change the route...

301 from Whitley to Byker as normal

Then Market street down to central station then express (like a 91) to team valley omiting Gateshead) out of team valley at Sainsbury up A1 to Metrocentre then to Marriott / Ikea then Asda into Metrocentre (create a dwell time )

Remove the whickham link and save 30 mins