Find out what happens if you are issued a £100 Penalty Fare Notice, how to pay and how to appeal.
Penalty Fares
When travelling on the West Midlands Metro tram network, you must have a valid ticket or pass before you board, valid for the time of day and all zones you’re travelling through, and must cover your whole journey. If you are travelling with a mobile ticket, you must activate it before you board the tram and ensure you have enough battery to show the ticket if required. It’s your responsibility to make sure of this before you board.
If you travel without a valid ticket or pass, fail to activate your mobile ticket before boarding, or are unable to produce a valid ticket for inspection when requested, you will be liable for a £100 Penalty Fare Notice or prosecution.
Find out about the ways to buy your ticket or pass before you board here.
Revenue Officers
Revenue Officers carry out regular ticket checks across the network and may ask to see your ticket at any point during your journey. Find out more about what to expect during an inspection here.
Penalty Fare Notice
If you are issued a Penalty Fare Notice, you are liable to pay £100 within 28 days:
A £50 discount is applied if paid within 14 days.
£100 if paid between 15–28 days
If the Penalty fare remains unpaid after 28 days, West Midlands Metro may start prosecution proceedings. Please follow the payment instructions and deadline shown on your Penalty Fare Notice.
Pay your £100 Penalty Fare
If you pay within 14 days of the date you received your Penalty Fare Notice, a £50 discount is applied.
A £100 Penalty Fare Notice may be issued if you travel without a valid ticket or pass, fail to activate your mobile ticket before boarding, or cannot produce a valid ticket or pass when requested by a Revenue Officer.
When do I need to buy my ticket?
You must have a valid ticket or pass before you board the tram. Your ticket or pass must be valid for the time of day and all zones you intend to travel through and must cover your whole journey. Travelling without a valid ticket may result in a £100 Penalty Fare Notice.
How much is the Penalty Fare?
The Penalty Fare is £100, discounted to £50 if paid within 14 days.
How to pay my Penalty Fare?
If you receive a Penalty Fare, you can pay this using the following options:
Please follow the payment instructions and deadline provided.
Do I have to pay immediately?
No. If you are issued a Penalty Fare Notice, you will be given information on how to pay and the deadline for payment. Please follow the payment instructions shown on your Penalty Fare Notice.
Can I make a payment over the phone?
Yes. You can make a payment over the phone by calling on 0330 174 6060 (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also pay online here.
Can I pay my Penalty Fare in cash?
No. Payments must be made either by phone or online; cash payments are not accepted.
How do I know if my payment was successful?
You will receive an email confirmation once your payment has been processed. If you don’t receive one, please check your spam folder or contact us.
What happens if I enter the wrong Penalty Fare reference number?
If you enter the wrong reference number, your payment may not be applied to your case. Please double‑check the number before making a payment.
What happens if I don't pay my Penalty Fare?
If your Penalty Fare is not paid within 28 days, West Midlands Metro may start prosecution proceedings against you. This could result in further costs or legal action.
Please go through your Penalty Fare Notice carefully and follow the payment instructions and deadline provided.
Can I submit an appeal against my Penalty Fare?
Yes. You can submit an appeal within 28 days of receiving your Penalty Fare Notice using the official online appeals link here.
Want to Appeal?
If you believe your Penalty Fare Notice was issued incorrectly or unfairly, you can submit an appeal within 28 days. For full details, visit our Appeals page for more information.
