West Midlands Metro tram fare hike needed for ‘financial sustainability’, transport bosses claim - here's how much they're due to increase by
Increasing West Midlands tram fares will ensure the ‘financial sustainability’ of the network, transport bosses have said.
Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board approved a request by Midland Metro Limited to hike the cost of travel for tram users in the new year.
Bosses said tram tickets have not risen in line with bus and rail prices whilst concessionary charges would not be affected by the increase.
Single ticket prices will increase by between 20p and 50p and day tickets will go up by 30p on short distance trips and 50p-70p on longer distance trips. Season tickets will increase by 10 per cent.
If agreed, a Zone 1 single ticket will go from £2.30 to £2.50 while a Zone 1 weekly pass will increase from £12.20 to £13.40.
Other price increases include a single ticket for Zone 1-2 rising from £3.20 to £3.50, a Peak Day Ticket Zone 1-2 increasing from £4.70 to £5.20 and a Month Ticket Zone 1-2 rising to £61.90 – £5.60 more than the current price.
Anne Shaw, the outgoing Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands, said: “Fares have been kept low and have not risen in line with rail and bus over the last few years.
“An approval to increase fares by above inflation by approximately 40p per journey is being asked.
“This helps with the overall financial sustainability of the transport system.
“It’s also worth noting the Metro still provides support to older, disabled and young people through its concessions and there is minimal impact on other customers.”
A spokesperson for West Midlands Metro said: “A decision to increase fares is never taken lightly, but these modest price rises will help us to meet increased running costs while ensuring the future sustainability of the Metro.
“The past few years have seen massive investment in the region’s tram network as we prepare to connect even more communities across Birmingham and the Black Country, and we would like to assure customers that revenue from ticket sales will continue to be reinvested into further service enhancements.
“Since 2023, Metro fares have increased well below the rate of inflation, and the tram continues to offer excellent value for money when compared to other modes of transport.
“Furthermore, nearly one in five people who use the tram with a concessionary pass will be unaffected by these changes.”
