West Midlands Metro is set to be latest tram network in the UK to offer the opportunity to “Tap In” and “Tap Out” to pay for their travel with the start of the installation of validators on tramstop platforms.
The validator poles are currently being installed at tramstops across the network, and these will eventually support a new contactless ticketing system enabling passengers to “Tap In” and “Tap Out” to pay for their journey using a contactless bank card, travel pass or smart device without the need to purchase a physical ticket from one of the new ticket machines.
This new system will make paying for travel faster, easier, and more convenient. It will bring wide-ranging benefits for passengers, while also promoting fairness across the network.
The new validators are due to be switched on in the new year.
Michael Reading-Skilton, Head of Commercial at West Midlands Metro, said: “Over the next couple of months, customers will see the poles that will hold the validators being installed at tram stops, marking another significant step towards a fairer, more inclusive network. As well as making it quicker and more convenient to buy a ticket, the new system will automatically calculate the best fare to cover the cost of the customer’s journey. For those making multiple trips or travelling over several days, the system will cap the total cost to guarantee great value for customers.”
Once the validators go live, all passengers using a bank card, smart device, Swift card or travel pass will be required to “Tap In” at the start of a journey and “Tap Out” at the end of their journey on the tram.
Its all part of a broader strategy to modernise the ticketing experience across the West Midlands Metro network and follows on from the installation of new ticket machines at each stop earlier this year.