We’re upgrading how you pay for tram travel. Throughout autumn, validator poles are being installed at tram stops across the network in preparation for our new contactless ticketing system.
Earlier this year, we introduced new ticket machines at tram stops, the first step in our ‘Buy Before You Board’ initiative, designed to make purchasing tickets quicker and more convenient for passengers before they board the tram. The installation of validators marks the next phase in our strategy to modernise the ticketing experience across the West Midlands Metro network.
Set to go live in the New Year, these new smart ticketing validators will allow passengers to:
Tap in and tap out at the start and end of their journey
Pay directly using a contactless debit/credit card or mobile device
Confirm ticket validity during inspections
This upgrade will make tram travel faster, fairer, and more flexible, giving passengers greater control over how and when they pay.
With the introduction of smart validators, contactless travel brings a better way to move across the West Midlands Metro network.
Customers can still continue to buy tram tickets for their journeys and top up their Swift Card using our Ticket Machines or the My Metro App.
Here are some frequently asked questions providing additional information about the introduction of validators at Metro stops.
A validator is a device that allows passengers to tap their travel card or contactless payment method to register the start and end of their journey. It ensures that the correct fare is charged and helps monitor passenger flow across the network.
Validators will be installed during October and November on platforms at all Metro stops.
It is anticipated that the validator devices will be fitted to the poles in the new year. More information will be available in the coming weeks with regards to this next step in the introduction of the Buy Before You Board project.
Validators are being installed at all Metro stops, usually near the platform entrances and exits.
No there will be no changes to our service as a result of this work. Please visit our service changes page for information about planned works on the network.
Yes, at the moment you can. This will change in the future when customers will be required to have a valid ticket or pass before they board the tram. We will share more information about this change closer to the time.
You will need to buy your ticket before boarding once the validators are operational in the new year. Our team will be on hand to assist you once the validators go live.
We are committed to keeping you informed as we get ready to introduce another way to pay to travel on the tram. The most up-to-date information will be published here and via our social media channels, and information will be displayed across our network and on board our trams.
Buy your tram tickets and top up your Swift card using our new ticket machines.
Download the app to Pay for daily, weekly or monthly tickets by zones or destinations.
Midland Metro Limited (trading as West Midlands Metro). Registered in England and Wales | company number 10932342 | Registered office: 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD
