Agree about routing buses through Gateshead the 'old' way on their way into Newcastle, instead of everything bar the X34 going through the Interchange.

Slightly more radical: I'd introduce congestion charging for Newcastle City Centre (obviously the revenue raised would be ringfenced to improve public transport). Slightly more radical still (no, I haven't finally lost my marbles...) I'd be tempted to rip up the Metro and have guided buses. Imagine - a bus zipping under the streets of Newcastle avoiding congestion, and then once it hits the suburbs rejoins the normal roads.

And yes, I am sober!