Commuters using the West Midlands Metro will see tram fares increase in the new year after transport bosses approved the price hikes to secure the network's financial future.
Approved Fare Increases
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board has given the green light to a request from Midland Metro Limited to raise travel costs. The decision, confirmed in November 2025, means passengers will pay more for single, day, and season tickets from the start of the new year.
Officials emphasised that tram ticket prices have not kept pace with recent increases for bus and rail services. They also confirmed that concessionary charges for older, disabled, and young people will not be affected by the changes.
New Ticket Prices Explained
The specific changes will see single ticket prices rise by between 20p and 50p. Day tickets will increase by 30p on short distance trips and by 50p to 70p on longer journeys. Season tickets will see a 10 per cent increase across the board.
Key price adjustments include a Zone 1 single ticket rising from £2.30 to £2.50 and a Zone 1 weekly pass increasing from £12.20 to £13.40. For those travelling across more zones, a single ticket for Zone 1-2 will go from £3.20 to £3.50, while a Peak Day Ticket for the same zones will rise from £4.70 to £5.20. A Month Ticket for Zone 1-2 will cost £61.90, representing an increase of £5.60.
Ensuring Future Sustainability
Anne Shaw, the outgoing Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands, stated: "Fares have been kept low and have not risen in line with rail and bus over the last few years. An approval to increase fares by above inflation by approximately 40p per journey is being asked. This helps with the overall financial sustainability of the transport system."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Metro added: "A decision to increase fares is never taken lightly, but these modest price rises will help us to meet increased running costs while ensuring the future sustainability of the Metro. Since 2023, Metro fares have increased well below the rate of inflation, and the tram continues to offer excellent value for money when compared to other modes of transport."
The spokesperson also highlighted that revenue from ticket sales would be reinvested into service enhancements, supporting ongoing expansion projects that will connect more communities across Birmingham and the Black Country.
