Buses across Greater Manchester could all be painted the same colour - just as they were thirty years ago.

The iconic orange double-deckers are now a thing of distant memory in the region, but a new bill launched in Parliament on Friday could see the entire fleet of buses across the ten boroughs return to a single shade.

Branded the ‘linchpin’ of the devolution of power in Greater Manchester, it’s hoped the Bus Services Bill will be passed before a mayor is elected next May.

And those in the know say it would transform our public transport network.

Buses are vital to our way of life. Last year 210 million journeys were made by bus, accounting for 79 per cent of public transport trips.

(Image: Mark Waugh)

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But currently, our bus system is deregulated. That means 80 per cent of services are provided by bus companies and council bosses - as well as TfGM - have no say over how they are run.

This Bill proposes powers to allow Combined Authorities with an elected mayor to franchise bus services to operators, but maintain control to create a London-style network.

Bus franchising is a model used in other global cities, including London, Sydney and Amsterdam.

Here are 10 reasons why it could make our future brighter:

1. All buses the same colour

Stagecoach are blue, white and red, First are pink, white and blue, and...you get the idea.

It’s confusing, especially to visitors. Manchester wants its own version of the famous London bus - which is just what this bill could bring.

All buses could be painted the same colour to give a uniform look across the region.

It wouldn’t be the first time. Until the late 1980s, all our buses were owned by the council, who made them all bright orange.

So the bill could be a pot of simplicity at the end of what is currently a confusing rainbow.

2. Passengers get the cheapest deals - even if they jump operators

At the moment, you can buy a ticket that runs over different operators. For example, you can jump on a First bus then hop on a Stagecoach to complete your journey.

But the privilege will cost you - that’s because passengers pay a premium for their ‘disloyalty’ to operators. The bill would mean those extra charges are scrapped.

3. Simplified fares

Currently, fares differ from bus company to bus company, which can be complicated for passengers.

The future could mean one simple and consistent set of fares across Greater Manchester. With one ticket to get you there.

Fare capping could also be introduced - limiting how much passengers pay each day.

And you would automatically get the cheapest fare available for your trip.

4 One route planner

It’s a bit of a lottery at the moment in terms of which areas are best served by buses. That’s because operators are looking to make a profit.

The M.E.N has had to report on a number of axed services over the last two years. But with a centralised system, routes could be allocated to areas that truly need them - and worked out to suit our growing hubs of work and housing.

5. One timetable planner

Now, each operator plans its own timetable - which means there is nobody looking at how they all link up. In the future, routes would be planned and coordinated by one body with an eye on the bigger picture. That should mean less waiting.

6. Getting you to the tram on time

Ever jumped off a bus just in time to...miss your tram or train?

Well that could be a thing of that past with the bill. Routes are currently decided by individual bus companies and there is no one body with the power

to check out what the trams and trains are doing. In the future, they could all link up to make journeys smoother.

7. Consistent service

Passengers currently experience different journeys when it comes to quality and service, depending on the operator.

In the future a consistent set of standards could be set across all bus services.

8. You could complain properly!

So many operators, all with different contact numbers, emails and Twitter accounts. Complaining can be hard work.

In the future that would all be centralised to one place. A one stop shop for complaining - or praising.

9. We'd see where our money went

Every year, £100m of taxpayers’ money is spent on the buses in Greater Manchester.

But because much of that goes to the operators, there’s little control over where it goes. The elected Mayor could decide how all cash is spent and, vitally, plough profits back in where they are most needed.

10. Back on the buses

Nearly 80 per cent of all public transport journeys in Greater Manchester are made by bus, compared to nine per cent by train and 12 per cent by tram.

But despite a growing population, bus use has flatlined in recent years. That’s a shame because it gets people out of their cars and ultimately helps

to clean Greater Manchester’s polluted air.

11. Okay, there's one extra - The Queen said bus

This Bill came up in the Queen’s Speech. We don’t think we’ve ever heard her mention buses before. Another sign it’s worth sitting up and taking notice?