Fare evasion on Manchester's trams falls by a third
Posted on 21st February 2024 at 16:06
Fare evasion on Greater Manchester’s tram network has fallen by a third as part of an ongoing crackdown by Metrolink with support from the TravelSafe Partnership.
With more KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) staff carrying out ticket inspections, fare evasion has fallen from over 16% in July 2023 to 10.6% in January 2024.
Five million tickets are inspected every year – up from four million – with Metrolink fining 100,000 fare evaders in the past year, while taking a further 5,000 people to court over unpaid fines.
A new plan to tackle fare evasion on Metrolink was introduced in October last year. This included increasing the penalty fare from £100 to £120 and recruiting an additional 50 customer service representatives (CSRs) to bring the total number of frontline staff to 169 across the network.
As a result of this new approach Metrolink is on target to generate an extra £2 million in net revenue per year, all of which will be reinvested back into the network for the benefit of all passengers.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “Fare evasion is something we take very seriously and while most people who travel by tram do so legally by purchasing a ticket, there are some who continue to think the rules do not apply to them.
“Since implementing our new plan to tackle fare evasion last year, we’re seeing hugely positive results. We have more people than ever checking tickets, and that higher visibility not only provides a deterrent to those ignoring the rules but also helps provide that reassurance to passengers.”
The role of the TravelSafe Partnership is to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, and to reassure passengers that they can travel safely. Officers dedicate more than 5,000 hours per week patrolling the Metrolink and bus networks, day and night, seven days a week.
Fare evasion on Greater Manchester’s tram network has fallen by a third as part of an ongoing crackdown by Metrolink with support from the TravelSafe Partnership. (Metrolink)
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “These results show that we are making significant progress in tackling fare evasion head on.
“By increasing the number of staff out on the Metrolink network, and introducing improved ticket checking technology, we are sending a clear message: if you travel on Metrolink without paying, there’s a real chance you’ll be fined up to £120 and could be prosecuted. It’s simply not worth the risk."
Tagged as: Metrolink, Manchester, TfGM, fare evasion
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