Metro shake-up: Ticket machines replace conductors on West Midlands trams

Commuters on the Midlands Metro will face a major change from Wednesday (26 february) as newly installed ticket machines go live across all 33 stops on the network.

The system overhaul means passengers must purchase tickets before boarding, replacing the long-standing practice of buying from conductors on the trams.

The "Buy Before You Board" scheme, first approved in 2019, aims to address fare evasion, particularly during peak hours when overcrowding made it easy for some riders to slip through without paying.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) confirmed that conductors will not be phased out but will transition into enforcement roles, ensuring compliance with the new ticketing policy.

The conductors will remain in place for the foreseeable future, with the machines a new addition to the tram service.

Anne Shaw, Director of TfWM, reassured staff and passengers that no compulsory redundancies would result from the change. "Conductors will be retrained as enforcement officers or drivers as we continue expanding the Metro network," she said. "By moving ticket purchases off-board, we can better protect our revenues and improve service efficiency."

Midlands Metro passengers will still have access to alternative payment options, including the My Metro App and Swift cards, which can now be topped up via the new machines.

Michael Reading-Skilton, Head of Commercial at Midlands Metro, emphasised the benefits of the transition. "After weeks of rigorous testing, we're ready to activate the machines. This is a significant step forward, aligning us with other UK tram networks where ‘Buy Before You Board’ has proven to be a more convenient and fairer system for everyone."

The ticketing overhaul comes as the Midlands Metro undergoes a major expansion, with extensions planned to Dudley and Birmingham Eastside. The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension is also progressing, connecting more communities and reinforcing the Metro’s role as a key transport link in the region.

As the changes take effect, Metro staff will be on hand to assist passengers in adapting to the new system. Riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the ticket machines to ensure smooth and efficient travel across the network.