Authority approves tram fare increases up to 10%

The West Midlands Combined Authority has approved a hike to tram prices

A price hike for tram fares in the West Midlands has been approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Members of the WMCA were asked to consider a request by Midland Metro Limited to increase the cost of travel for tram users of up to 10% beginning in the new year.

A Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) boss said the increase would ensure the "financial sustainability" of the network.

Bosses also said tram tickets had not risen in line with bus and rail prices whilst concessionary charges would not be affected by the increase.

From the new year, single ticket prices will increase by between 20p and 50p and day tickets will go up by 30p on short distance trips and up to 70p on longer distances.

Season tickets will increase by 10% the authority confirmed.

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.

When purchasing a Zone 1-2 ticket in 2026, passengers will fork out an extra 30p for a £3.50 single fare, an extra 50p on a peak-time day ticket and a monthly ticket will cost £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 (travel) 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."

Concessionary charges will not be affected by the increase.

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.

"Furthermore, nearly one in five people who use the tram with a concessionary pass will be unaffected by these changes."