Metrolink contactless journeys pass 1 million mark

Metrolink contactless

More than one million journeys have been made on the Metrolink network using the new contactless payment system.

The tram network’s touch-in/touch-out system reached the milestone over the weekend of November 16, just four months after it was launched on July 15 this year.

The system cuts out the need for paper tickets or to download the app and passengers can simply use their bank card, phone or smart watch, to ‘touch-in’ and ‘touch-out’ at tram stops at the start and end of their journey.

The network’s system then works out passengers’ fares, which is limited by a daily fare cap (£7 on peak, £4.80 off peak for travel across all zones).

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “I’m pleased that Greater Manchester residents and our many visitors are taking advantage of contactless payments on Metrolink.

“It’s making tram travel easier, and opening up our region to jobs, leisure, skills and education opportunities. This is another step on our way to the integrated, London-style transport system we want to see here.”

December is set to be Metrolink’s busiest month, with around 300,000 extra journeys expected to be made.

Danny Vaughan, Transport for Greater Manchester’s head of Metrolink, said: “Christmas is the busiest time of year for Metrolink, with lots to see and do right on our doorstep.

“We expect to see somewhere in the region of 10,000 extra journeys being made every day throughout December.

“Many of those customers will be occasional users visiting the festive markets, socialising, or working in seasonal jobs, and contactless is the ideal way for these people to pay for their travel.”

Alice Richardson, Local Democracy Reporter