Metro ticket evaders now face £100 fines

Ticket evaders on the West Midlands Metro will face a £100 penalty as a new inspection scheme comes into force.

Revenue officers are set to carry out regular inspections under the Buy Before You Board (BBYB) scheme, which has been fully introduced.

The changes mean passengers can no longer purchase a ticket from conductors while on board the tram and must buy a valid ticket or pass before climbing aboard.

Under the new rules, anyone who is caught travelling on a tram, or on the platform having just got off one without a valid ticket or pass, may be liable to pay the £100 penalty fare.

Most revenue officers on the Metro, which connects Birmingham to Wolverhampton, were former conductors who have been retrained for revenue protection duties, the transport provider added.

Their role includes ensuring ticket checks take place throughout the day to help prevent fare evasion, alongside issuing penalty fares where necessary.

"At busy times, it has sometimes been difficult for conductors to cover an entire tram between stops, and we know that the vast majority of customers don't like to see some people travelling without paying their way.

"At busy times, it has sometimes been difficult for conductors to cover an entire tram between stops, and we know that the vast majority of customers don't like to see some people travelling without paying their way," Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro's head of commercial and customer experience, said.

"Our revenue officers will now be out on Metro services to help customers understand the new ticketing process and make sure everyone is travelling with a valid ticket."

The number of ticket machines that accept card and cash at tram stops has increased, with tickets also available to be purchased using the MyMetro app.

Valid passes purchased as part of a season ticket or on the Swift card were also accepted, a spokesperson added.

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