Fines for tram passengers blamed on human error

Fines issued after passengers had paid for tickets have been blamed on "human error"

Fines which were wrongly issued to tram passengers who had paid for their tickets are being blamed on "human error".

Customers complained they had their tickets checked by on-platform inspectors at the end of their journey but were still charged £60.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has apologised and asked those affected to appeal, adding: "Mistakes can sometimes be made."

All Metrolink users must tap their pass in and out at the start and end of their tram journey to avoid penalty fares.

One complainant posted on Reddit: "Ticket inspector machines do not show them if you have a valid ticket at all, it will only check if you are in the middle of a journey, and issue a fine if not.

"Customer service was really nice, but their systems are an absolute shambles!”

Other passengers have reported similar issues, albeit having been checked by an inspector before they started their journey.

Tram tickets must be tapped at the start and end of journeys

TfGM apologised and urged anyone affected to get in touch and appeal their fine.

Damien Chabas, managing director at KeolisAmey Metrolink said "tens of thousands" of tickets are checked every day and "robust processes" are in place to ensure staff check passengers using contactless have paid their fares correctly.

He said: "Most of the time this happens without incident, however mistakes can sometimes be made, and this looks like a case of human error on the part of a member of staff."

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