The penalty for travelling on West Midlands Metro without a valid ticket is set to rise to £100 as part of wider transformation plans to overhaul existing ticketing arrangements.
In the New Year, customers will need to purchase a ticket before boarding the tram, bringing the West Midlands Metro into line with similar transport systems across the country.
Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro’s Head of Commercial, explained: “While fare evasion on the Metro is no higher than on other tramways, the vast majority of our customers feel it is unfair that some people think they can get away with travelling without a ticket.
“We share their frustration, and the increase in the penalty fare will act as a further deterrent to this unacceptable behaviour as we move towards a new, more convenient ticketing system that promotes fairness and aligns the Metro with wider industry standards.”
Over the past year, the Metro has been embarking on a wide-ranging campaign to ensure customers are aware of the various ticketing options coming into place before the penalty fares increase from £10 to £100 come into force and for the implementation of the ‘Buy Before You Board’ policy.
Customers may have noticed new equipment being installed at tram stops across the network. These upgrades are part of wider preparations to improve how people pay for their journeys ahead of the upcoming penalty fare increase.
As part of this work, Metro has already introduced new ticket machines at every stop, alongside the MyMetro app and Swift card options, giving customers more ways to buy their ticket before they board. These improvements support our Buy Before You Board approach, making it quicker and easier for everyone to get ready to travel.
“On board trams and at stops, our new customer team will be equipped with the latest technology to check passengers have a valid ticket or pass, and to issue penalty fares to those who haven’t paid,” Michael said.
“Although the changes will not come into effect for a few months, we want to give customers plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the new ticketing systems and arrangements.”
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