Penalty fares for Metrolink fare evasion to increase

The penalty fare for travelling without a valid ticket or pass on Metrolink will be increasing to £120 from the 24th September as part of ongoing efforts to tackle fare evasion on public transport. 

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is urging passengers to take note of the higher penalty fare and to ensure they touch-in at the start and touch-out at the end of every journey when using contactless, smart cards or concessionary passes. 

 

Customers can also purchase a ticket or travelcard with cash or card at the ticket machine or via the new Bee Network app from 18th September. Passengers cannot buy tickets on the tram. 

 

As part of the crackdown, dozens of additional Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are being employed to carry out ticket inspections as well as to help passengers travelling on the tram. 

 

Metrolink operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) will also be deploying plain clothes officers to target passengers who deliberately avoid buying a ticket. 

 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Fare evasion is something we take very seriously, and it will continue to be a priority as we move to the integrated Bee Network. 

 

“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. Our message is clear: if you travel on Metrolink without paying, you’ll now face a higher penalty fare, and you could be prosecuted. 

 

For 30 years Metrolink received no public subsidy, and the money we raised from fare-paying passengers is reinvested into the network for everyone’s benefit. If people are fare dodging, we won’t be able to improve the service we offer. Metrolink will play a vital role in realising our vision of a truly integrated public transport system, the Bee Network, which works for everyone. I would urge everyone to consider the consequences of fare evasion.”