Massive cost rise for West Midlands Metro fines in crackdown on 'unacceptable behaviour'
Ten-fold increases in fines for West Midlands Metro fare dodgers are to come into effect in the new year.
Penalty charges for people travelling on trams in the region without a valid ticket will go up from the current £10 to £100 as part of a wider overhaul of existing ticketing arrangements.
Customers will need to purchase their tickets before they board the tram to avoid being hit with the fines.
Bosses said the majority of customers felt it was “unfair” people had been using the transport system without paying for it, adding the huge increase in fines will act as a better deterrent.
Back in 2024, West Midlands Combined Authority Board approved adopting the ‘buy before you board’ policy as well as the penalty charge increases.
During the past year, West Midlands Metro launched a campaign to ensure passengers are aware of ticketing options before the fine increase and implementation of the new policy came into force.
Validator poles are currently being installed at tram stops across the network and will be switched on in the new year, allowing people to be able to tap in and out with a bank card, travel pass and smart device.
This new way to pay will sit alongside the existing options, including ticket machines introduced earlier this year, the MyMetro app, and the Swift card.
Current conductors working on the network are being retrained as enforcement officers or tram drivers.
Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro’s Head of Commercial, said: “While fare evasion on the Metro is no higher than on other tramways, the vast majority of our customers feel it is unfair that some people think they can get away with travelling without a ticket.
“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.
“On board trams and at stops, our new customer team will be equipped with the latest technology to check passengers have a valid ticket or pass, and to issue penalty fares to those who haven’t paid.”