Passengers using the West Midlands Metro face a dramatic ten-fold increase in penalty fares as part of a stringent new crackdown on what officials have labelled 'unacceptable behaviour'.
A New Era of Fares and Enforcement
From the new year, anyone caught travelling on the tram network without a valid ticket will be hit with a £100 penalty charge, a substantial rise from the current £10 fee. This move is a central part of a comprehensive overhaul of the region's ticketing system, which was approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority Board back in 2024.
The core of the new policy is a strict 'buy before you board' rule. Customers will be required to purchase their ticket before stepping onto the tram to avoid the hefty new fine. Metro bosses stated that the overwhelming majority of their customers believe it is deeply unfair that some individuals use the service without paying.
Modernising the Ticketing System
To support this shift, a significant technological upgrade is underway across the network. Validator poles are currently being installed at tram stops and are scheduled to be activated in the new year. This new infrastructure will allow passengers to tap in and out using a contactless bank card, travel pass, or smart device.
This modern payment method will complement the existing options, which include ticket machines introduced earlier this year, the MyMetro app, and the Swift card. The integration aims to make buying a ticket more convenient than ever before, thereby reducing excuses for non-payment.
Retrained Teams and Onboard Checks
In a parallel change, the current conductors on the network are being retrained for new roles as enforcement officers or tram drivers. These newly formed customer teams will be equipped with the latest technology to check that passengers have a valid ticket or pass.
Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro’s Head of Commercial, said: "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."
He confirmed that the teams will have the authority to issue the new £100 penalty fares on the spot to those who have not paid. Over the past year, the Metro has been running a campaign to ensure all passengers are aware of these impending changes before they come into full force.
