Tram fares set to increase in new year

Tram prices in the West Midlands will rise if plans are approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority

Fares for passengers who use the tram service in the West Midlands are set to increase in the new year.

Midland Metro Limited (MML) said it has proposed "modest price rises" to help cover increased running costs and ensure the service can be "sustainable" in the future.

If agreed next week, it will include a Zone 1 single ticket rising from £2.30 to £2.50 while a Zone 1 weekly pass increases from £12.20 to £13.40.

MML bosses said people with concessionary passes would not be affected by the rises, adding fare increases have been kept below the rate of inflation.

Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority Board will be asked to approve the fare increases when they meet on 14 November.

The changes would see single ticket prices increase by between 20p and 50p and day tickets go up by 30p on short distance trips and 50p-70p on longer distance trips, while season tickets will increase by 10%.

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.

MML said revenue from ticket sales would be invested back into the service for further enhancements.

A West Midlands Metro spokesperson 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.

"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."

West Midland Metro said the increase was "well below" the rate of inflation

MML bosses said a number of major developments to enhance the network would come to fruition over the next 12 months.

These include the opening of the first phase of the Birmingham Eastside extension and the first phase of the Black Country line to Dudley Town Centre opening next year.

A major £76m upgrade of the Wednesbury depot to help cater for increased Metro services is also under way.