Tram fare-dodgers face £100 spot fine

A crackdown on fare dodgers will mean £100 fines being issued to people using the Manchester’s Metrolink without a valid ticket.

From 11 May, the £100 standard fare fine must be paid within 21 days but will be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Failure to pay the standard fare could result in prosecution and legal proceedings. The current penalty is £80.

GMPTE (Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive), which owns the Metrolink network, launched an information campaign this week to remind passengers that they must have a valid ticket before they board their tram.

Posters are now on display on trams and at stops, and leaflets are being handed out to passengers.

Philip Purdy, GMPTE’s Metrolink director, said: “We take fare evasion very seriously.

“The vast majority of passengers make sure they have bought a valid ticket before travelling, and they shouldn’t have to travel with the minority of unlawful people who choose not to pay.

“It’s easy to buy a ticket — either at the stop or from over 200 PayPoint outlets across Greater Manchester.

“The new £100 standard fine sends out a strong message to passengers — buy a ticket or face the consequences.”

All the money from Metrolink fares goes straight back into running the system and making improvements to enhance the service for passengers.

Metrolink inspectors check passengers’ tickets seven days a week and will issue the new £100 standard fare to those travelling without a valid ticket.

For more information visit www.metrolink.co.uk or call Metrolink customer services on 0161 205 2000.