West Midlands Metro passengers will face a £100 Penalty Fare from Monday, September 14, if they travel without a valid ticket, as the network scraps conductor roles and introduces Buy Before You Board ticketing.
Tickets will no longer be sold on board trams. Instead, passengers must purchase tickets at ticket machines installed at stops or through the MyMetro app before boarding. The change follows the removal of conductor positions, with many former conductors retrained as revenue officers with the authority to issue three-figure penalties.
Revenue officers to enforce new rules
Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro's head of commercial and customer experience, explained the reasoning behind the move. "At busy times, it has sometimes been difficult for conductors to cover an entire tram between stops, and we know the vast majority of customers don't like to see some people travelling without paying their way," he 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."
How to buy tickets before boarding
More ticket machines have been installed at stops to support the transition. Passengers can also use the MyMetro app to purchase tickets in advance. Reading-Skilton emphasised the importance of the new process: "Tickets can no longer be bought on board. Buy yours at a ticket machine or through the MyMetro app before you travel."
He added a clear warning: "Anyone travelling without a valid ticket or pass may receive a £100 Penalty Fare."
Impact on commuters
The change affects all tram users in the Midlands, who must now plan ahead to avoid penalties. The network has installed additional ticket machines at stops to ease the transition, and revenue officers will be present on services to assist passengers unfamiliar with the new system.
Further information about the Buy Before You Board ticketing arrangements, including all available purchase methods, has been published by West Midlands Metro for passengers to consult before the rule takes effect.
