Metrolink passengers face 4.2% ticket price rise
In January 2014, Metrolink fares will increase by an average of 4.2%, to "meet operating costs and to contribute towards the £1.5bn Greater Manchester Transport Fund, which is investing in extensions and improvements to the network," said Transport for Greater Manchester.
Details of specific 2014 ticket prices are available on the Metrolink website – www.metrolink.co.uk – from today.
The rise is 1% above the Retail Price Index measure of inflation of 3.2%.
Among a series of changes to the ticket schedule, the New Islington stop will move into the City Zone, making it better value for residents. Quarterly season tickets and several adult day Travelcards will also be withdrawn "as part of a commitment to offer a range of tickets consistent with other modes of transport".
Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: "At a time when local authorities are facing significant budget pressures, it is vital that Metrolink can cover its own operating costs without any burden on the public purse.
"The Retail Price Index indicates how much operating costs have changed in the past year in real terms, and fares increase by that level to meet those costs. Put simply, what cost £100 last year now costs £103.20, and that needs to be accounted for.
"But Metrolink is, of course, in the midst of unprecedented investment, growth and exciting change: by 2016, the network will have trebled to 60 miles in size, with 94 trams serving 93 stops across a number of new lines.
"At the same time, we are in the final stages of replacing all 32 of the original trams with brand new vehicles as part of a near-£200m fleet investment, and we've opened a second, state-of-the-art depot and operational HQ in Trafford.
"The Victoria, St Peter's Square and Deansgate-Castlefield stops are also about to be transformed as part of the Second City Crossing. Metrolink fares continue to offer value for money, particularly for season ticket holders."
A shocking service just got more expensive……
By TFGM
Considering the trams run late or at all and that people are packed in like sardines because there are never enough carriages at the peak times, this is hardly a value for money service
By Anon
Is this to pay for more empty trams to MediaCity? Pretty rotten service. Already too expensive.
By Claude Cuckooland
Maybe Metrolink should consider improving the service they already provide before expanding, which will inevitably create further delays/ cancellations to already congested lines.
By Anon
Come on now – the only real news here is a 1% rise, as the rest is just covering rising costs. I think a 1% is reasonable, given the work that’s currently ongoing expanding the network massively and upgrading stations. Yes there are frequent delays, which are incredibly incovenient, but personally I welcome works which will make the network more reliable – such as the second city crossing. These schemes are expensive. Its also fair that some of the money should be used towards other public transport investment across GM. Its to everybody’s benefit for the region to have a well-funded, modern transport system and surely that’s all that TfGM are trying to build?
By mancboi
Continues to provide a 2nd rate service, constant delays, breakdowns and a ride which is so bumpy would should not be tolerated. TfGM should be ashamed to call this a premium service.
By Digglegat