West Midlands Metro to deploy revenue officers as conductors are withdrawn - here's when

Passengers using West Midlands Metro will no longer be able to buy tickets from tram conductors as the network moves to a new Buy Before You Board system from Sunday, September 13.

The change will bring an end to the long-standing arrangement which allowed passengers to board a tram and purchase a ticket from a conductor during their journey.

From Monday, September 14, revenue officers will be deployed across the network to carry out ticket inspections and help passengers adjust to the new system.

Under the new arrangements, passengers travelling between Wolverhampton and Birmingham must have a valid ticket or pass before boarding. Anyone found travelling without a valid ticket could face a £100 Penalty Fare.

Passengers may be asked to show their ticket, pass or other valid proof of payment at any point during their journey.

Tickets will need to be purchased from machines at tram stops or through the MyMetro app, as they will no longer be available to buy on board.

West Midlands Metro has installed additional ticket machines across the network, with at least two machines now available at every stop. The machines allow passengers to purchase single and day tickets, as well as weekly, monthly and multi-modal passes.

Depending on the machine, customers can pay by cash, debit or credit card, contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Some machines also allow passengers to top up Swift cards or purchase a new Swift card.

Passengers can continue to travel using valid concessionary or Swift passes, while monthly Direct Debit tickets will also remain available.

Metro staff will be stationed across the network to provide advice and support as passengers become familiar with the new ticketing arrangements.

Many of the Revenue Officers being introduced are former Metro conductors who have been retrained to carry out revenue protection duties.

Michael Reading-Skilton, West Midlands Metro's head of commercial and customer experience, said the initial focus would be on helping passengers understand the new system.

"First and foremost, our teams will aim to help customers get used to the new Buy Before You Board system," he said.

"When it comes into effect next month, it will no longer be possible to buy a ticket on the tram and customers without a valid ticket or pass could be liable for a Penalty Fare."

He added that the majority of passengers expected everyone to pay for their journeys.

"We know the vast majority of customers expect everyone to pay their way, so penalty fares will start to be issued to anyone travelling without a valid ticket or pass," he said.

The Metro has been preparing passengers for the switch for several months, encouraging them to start buying their tickets before boarding ahead of the September deadline.

The network currently serves stops between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, running through areas including Bilston, Wednesbury and West Bromwich, with services extending to Wolverhampton railway station and Birmingham destinations including Edgbaston Village and Millennium Point.

The introduction of revenue officers and the withdrawal of conductors will bring West Midlands Metro in line with similar tram and light rail systems elsewhere in the UK.

Passengers are being urged to get into the habit of buying their tickets before boarding now to avoid being caught out when the new rules come into force.