More easy to use ticket machines are being installed across the West Midlands Metro network as part of the preparations for the full introduction of Buy Before You Board ticketing.
At a date to be confirmed anyone travelling on the tram network will have to have a valid ticket before boarding the tram with the option to purchase from on-board conductors being removed. A penalty fare scheme will be introduced with those not able to present a ticket being charged £100.
Ahead of the full introduction of Buy Before You Board ticketing, West Midlands Metro are installing additional quick and easy-to-use ticket machines. This will mean all stops will have at least two ticket machines to help avoid long queues to purchase before the tram pulls in.
Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro’s Head of Commercial & Customer Experience, said: “While ticket vending machines aren’t new to the network, these additional ones mean there are at least two at every stop to help prevent queues building up at peak times.
“Their arrival marks another milestone on our journey towards off-tram ticketing, a system that’s proved so successful on other tramways across the country.
“With more ticket machines across the network, our MyMetro mobile app and season tickets on a Swift card, customers now have more ways than ever to buy a valid ticket before they travel.”
This is the start of a transition period and during this time you will still be able to buy tickets on board. It is planned that the new Buy Before You Board scheme will be fully implemented in the early autumn.