Metro fines to increase from £10 to £100 in 2026

Passengers without a valid ticket will face a fine of £100, up from £10

Penalty fares for travelling on West Midlands Metro without a valid ticket are to rise from £10 to £100, in 2026.

From the new year, customers will need to buy a ticket before they use the metro instead of buying a ticket from conductors on board, as its "buy before you board" policy is put in place.

The firm said the change in fine prices would bring the service in line with similar transport systems across the country.

"While fare evasion on the Metro is no higher than on other tramways, the vast majority of our customers feel it is unfair that some people think they can get away with travelling without a ticket," said Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro's head of commercial.

"We share their frustration, and the increase in the penalty fare will act as a further deterrent to this unacceptable behaviour as we move towards a new, more convenient ticketing system that promotes fairness."

'Tap in, tap out'

New validator poles are being installed at tram stops across the network, which connects Birmingham to Wolverhampton.

They will be switched on in the new year, allowing customers to "tap in and tap out" with their bank card, travel pass or smartphone.

The company said this new way to pay would sit alongside existing options, like ticket machines and ticketing apps.

"On board trams and at stops, our new customer team will be equipped with the latest technology to check passengers have a valid ticket or pass, and to issue penalty fares to those who haven't paid," added Mr Reading-Skilton.

"Although the changes will not come into effect for a few months, we want to give customers plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the new ticketing systems and arrangements."