Passengers travelling on Birmingham’s West Midlands Metro network will no longer be able to purchase tickets on board trams from 13 September as part of a new initiative to reduce fare evasion. Instead, all customers must buy tickets before starting their journey.
The introduction of Revenue Officers will see more frequent ticket checks carried out using handheld technology to ensure passengers have valid tickets, passes, or mobile payments. Those caught travelling without a valid ticket, and who had an opportunity to purchase one, may be issued with a £100 Penalty Fare Notice.
Operators have emphasised that the new ‘Buy Before You Board’ system is designed to align Birmingham’s tram services with other UK public transport networks, offering passengers additional payment options and improving fairness across the network. They highlighted that the change is part of a wider programme to modernise ticketing and enhance the customer experience by speeding up boarding times.
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According to Midlands Metro Limited, the policy supports efforts to reduce deliberate fare evasion, ensuring everyone contributes fairly to the cost of travel. Ticket machines are available at every tram stop, and customers can also purchase tickets via the MyMetro app, buy season tickets, or top up their Swift travel cards prior to travel.
Passengers are urged to familiarise themselves with these changes ahead of the 13 September implementation date to avoid penalty charges and ensure smooth journeys across the expanding tram network.