More than five million journeys have now been made on Manchester Metrolink using the pay-as-you-go contactless system which was originally launched in July 2019 and then enhanced this September following the launch of the Bee Flex Weekly. Any passenger with a contactless bank card can now touch in and out on Metrolink platforms knowing they will never pay more than a seven day travel pass without the need to download an app or buy a paper ticket.
The 5 million journey mark was passed on 17th September and recent events have seen a marked upturn in passengers using this form of payment. 123,000 contactless journeys were made in the week commencing 6th September which saw a Manchester United home game along with Parklife at Heaton Park. 40,000 contactless journeys were then made on 25th September and there was a new weekly record of 141,000 journeys as the region hosted a number of major events including the Courteeners at Old Trafford and the Great Manchester Run.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “By making tram travel easier, more flexible and providing value for money for our residents and visitors, pay-as-you-go has been a real game-changer for Metrolink customers. I’m delighted by how well it’s been received and I’m sure its popularity will only grow following the recent introduction of the Bee Flex Weekly.
“It shows what we can deliver locally and is exactly what I want to see across – and integrated with – all our other modes of transport. Our plans are ambitious but achievable and can be the foundations for levelling up the north. Having the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester is a great opportunity not only for me to share our vision with government but discuss how we can work together to get there – because ultimately we need them to come with us on this journey.”