London-style fare zones approved for Greater Manchester Metrolink
Date published: 27 July 2018
![Greater Manchester Metrolink zonal map Greater Manchester Metrolink zonal map](/uploads/f1/news/img/2018727_145217.jpg)
Greater Manchester Metrolink zonal map
London-style fare zones are to be adopted across Greater Manchester's tram network from January.
The four-zone system, approved by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, reduces the number of fares on Metrolink from 8,556 to 10.
Passengers will pay according to the number of zones they travel through.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said 78.5% of fares will be cheaper under a zonal system, with 11.5% costing more.
However, prices were already due to rise in January with adult fares increasing by about 6% annually until 2020.
The shake-up on Metrolink will see the introduction of four ringed zones.
Zone 1 covers city centre stations and Cornbrook, with Metrolink stops at Manchester Airport, Bury, Altrincham and Rochdale in Zone 4.
Fares will be calculated based on the number of zones passed through, with each zone only counted once.
The changes will make Metrolink "simpler, more convenient and better value for money" and pave the way for a more integrated ticketing system, said transport bosses.
Almost 5,000 people responded a consultation exercise, with 73% reporting they found the structure easy to understand and 42% believing zonal fares would offer better value-for-money.
Some 37% thought the new system would be more expensive.
The boundaries between Zones 3 and 4 were adjusted at Whitefield, near Bury, in response to feedback.
Do you have a story for us?
Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1Historic mill and ‘eyesore’ neighbour will be transformed into almost 300 apartments
- 2Boy and man arrested for suspected arson attack on Rochdale home
- 3Revised bus fares to help commuters with cost of living pressures
- 4Rochdale man and his rescue dog to tackle West Highland Way for children's charity
- 5Three officers injured trying to detain man in Rochdale
To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.
To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.