A DEAL allowing bus passengers to use their tickets on services run by any company is set to come to an end.

Bus firms Diamond, Go North West and First have confirmed that a temporary arrangement to allow travellers to use any bus will stop in the new year.

The system was introduced to avoid confusion when a number of key First services, as well as the company’s depot in Bolton, were purchased by other operators this summer.

Now, the three firm’s say their networks are “clearly established” and “there is no longer a need for this arrangement”.

Specialised interchangeable tickets such as the SystemOne Any Bus pass will continue to work across selected Greater Manchester services run by any operator.

The three companies each released a statement to warn passengers that the switch will take place on January 1, 2020. Passengers are advised to buy directly from the company they plan to travel with.

The change comes as pressure on private bus companies in the region continues to build.

Pascale Robinson, from campaign group Better Buses for Greater Manchester, said the current ticket system deters people from travelling on buses because it is “complicated and expensive”.

She said: “This is actually one of the huge benefits of bringing our buses into public control. You can get one single card that you can use on any tram, train or bus. Without franchising that’s legally impossible because of competition laws.”

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has repeatedly called for a public system of transport, similar to Transport for London, and has now opened the question to the public. The consultation on his bus franchising plans will run until January 8, 2020, and includes a series of drop-in events across the region.

If franchising was introduced, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) would coordinate the bus network – including routes, timetables and fares – and contract companies to run the services.

Deputy mayor Sir Richard Leese called the consultation a “pivotal” step in the future of public transport.

“We think that the proposed bus franchising scheme is the best way to deliver a joined-up public transport network with simple fares and ticketing and the improved customer experience that passengers in Greater Manchester deserve,” he said.

“It’s important that everyone has their say now.

“It’s not just bus passengers who could stand to gain.

“Our assessment shows that, if introduced, bus franchising could have wide-ranging economic benefits over the long-term.”

He added: “However, no decisions have been made yet, which is why we want to hear what people think.

“Anyone can take part in the consultation, there is no lower age limit.”