Passengers who travel without a valid ticket on the West Midlands Metro will soon face a dramatic tenfold increase in penalty charges, as bosses aim to crack down on what they call an 'unfair' practice.
A New Era of Enforcement
Starting in the new year, the penalty fare for ticketless travel will jump from the current £10 to £100. This significant hike is a central part of a comprehensive overhaul of the tram network's ticketing system. The core rule changing for customers is the move to a strict 'buy before you board' policy, meaning all tickets must be purchased prior to stepping onto the tram to avoid the hefty new fine.
Modernising the Ticketing System
This shift in policy was formally approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority Board back in 2024. Over the past year, a public awareness campaign has been underway to prepare passengers for the changes. A key part of the modernisation is the installation of new validator poles at tram stops across the network.
These validators are set to be activated in the new year, enabling passengers to tap in and out using a contactless bank card, travel pass, or smart device. This new payment method will complement existing options like ticket machines, the MyMetro app, and the Swift card.
Promoting Fairness and Deterrence
Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro's Head of Commercial, explained the reasoning behind the drastic measure. He stated that while fare evasion rates on the Metro are comparable to other tram networks, the vast majority of customers feel it is unfair that some individuals travel without paying.
"We share their frustration," he said, "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."
To support the new regime, current conductors are being retrained as enforcement officers or tram drivers. These new customer team members will be equipped with the latest technology to check for valid tickets and issue penalty fares on the spot, both on trams and at stops.
