The cost of travelling on the West Midlands Metro is set to increase from the new year following the approval of plans by the West Midlands Combined Authority. Some tickets will increase by 10% with Midland Metro Limited (who operate the network) saying the rise is needed to ensure the financial sustainability of the network.
As from the start of January (exact date to be confirmed) single ticket prices will go up by between 20p and 50p with day tickets increasing between 30p and 70p (depending on distance travelled). Season tickets will also go up by 10%.
Examples of new fares include a zone 1 single ticket which will now be £2.50 (currently £2.30), whilst a zone 1-2 ticket will be £3.50 (was £3.20) for a single and £5.20 (was £4.70) for a peak all day ticket.
Anne Shaw, Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands, said: “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. It’s also worth noting the Metro still provides support to older, disabled and young people through its concessions and there is minimal impact on other customers.”
A spokesperson from West Midlands Metro commented: “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.
“The past few years have seen massive investment in the region’s tram network as we prepare to connect even more communities across Birmingham and the Black Country, and we would like to assure customers that revenue from ticket sales will continue to be reinvested into further service enhancements.
“Furthermore, nearly one in five people who use the tram with a concessionary pass will be unaffected by these changes.”