Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson cautiously welcomes GMPTE Announcement!

Date published: 26 October 2005

Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen, the Lib Dem Shadow Transport Spokesperson has given his cautious backing to the fight against Metrolink Fare Dodgers.  Paul has called for urgent action to send a clear message to the Government that we are getting value for money for the current Metrolink System and deserve to see it extended to Rochdale, Oldham, South Manchester and elsewhere.

Paul said, "It's about time action was taken against those who flout the law. Fare Dodgers may feel they are making an easy saving but they need to be aware of the consequences that not paying causes. The GMPTE claim that approxiamately £1.3 million is lost every year - money that is needed desperately to reinvest in the current system. This is the tip of the iceberg, I expect the figure is much, much higher. I have written to Serco, who are responsible for checking for tickets - asking how many people were fined in the last year? - and how many inspectors they have? I am of course delighted with the recent announcement - but it needs to backed up by firm enforcement - or else what is the point? On the occasions that I have used the Metrolink I have never been checked for a ticket and my assistant who has used the Metrolink twice a day for over a year has been checked twice in that time. That can't be right - how can we convince the Government that it is worthwhile extending the Metrolink to Rochdale, Oldham, South Manchester and elsewhere if the current limited system loses so much unnecessary money!"

The announcement made on 25 October 2005 by GMPTA

A major new system to tackle fare evasion on Metrolink will begin on Monday 31 October 2005.

The current on-the-spot charge of £10 will be replaced by an escalating standard fare aimed at targeting repeat offenders. Proof of identity will also be requested on all occasions where a valid ticket cannot be produced and stored on a database for future reference.

The new system has been developed in partnership by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and Serco Metrolink. The two organisations have made significant progress in tackling fare evasion over the past few years, reducing it from 13% in 2001 to just under 6% today. However, even at current levels, fare evaders cost the system approximately £1.3 million in lost revenue every year.

Councillor Roger Jones, Chair of the Authority, said: "We are losing a massive amount of money, which could be reinvested back into Metrolink, as a result of people who think they can get away with not buying a ticket.

"The new system will hit repeat offenders where it hurts by increasing the amount they are forced to pay each time they are caught. It is totally unfair that law abiding passengers should have to share Metrolink with people who think they can play the system and get away with using the trams for free."

Phil Smith, Managing Director of Serco Metrolink, added: "Fare evasion negatively affects everyone and is reflected in the day to day pricing of tickets. These new measures will come down hard on repeat offenders and I'm sure they will help to significantly reduce the number of fare dodgers."

In future, passengers who are caught without a ticket for the first time will be charged a standard on-the-spot fare of just £10 so that people who make a mistake are not heavily penalised. The fare will rise to £15 for those who choose to pay it within 21 days.

Passengers who commit a second offence will be asked to pay a £20 on-the-spot fare or £30 within 21 days. A third offence will result in a £40 on-the-spot fare or a £60 charge if it is paid within 21 days. Offenders caught on a fourth occasion will face an £80 fare or prosecution. Anyone who fails to pay the standard fare within the specified time will also be liable for prosecution.

Metrolink tickets can be bought from machines at all tram stops and stations. Season tickets are available at GMPTE Travelshops. Passengers will not be unfairly penalised in cases where ticket machines are not working.

Further information is available by calling GMPTE Traveline on 0870 608 2608, Metrolink Customer Service on 0161 205 2000 or by logging onto www.gmpte.com or www.metrolink.co.uk.