Metrolink fares are set to rise on average by 5.93% from January 2018 as changes are to be discussed by council leaders this week.
They will be asked to approve the introduction of a phased, three year, fares increase, from January 2018, in line with the results of the Metrolink fares survey that ran for eight weeks over the summer.
Of the 5,025 people who responded to the survey, 3,944 (78%) opted to spread the increase over three years.
This will see an estimated rise of 4% (split into 1.33% per year) – plus the annual RPI+1% over the course of the next three years.
The increase is required as Metrolink revenues cover both network operating costs and the costs of borrowing secured to pay for Metrolink’s expansion programme.
Also due to be discussed as the meeting this Friday is the harmonising of all child fares across the Metrolink network, bringing them to 50% of the adult fare across the board.
Increasing the cost of a special event ticket – held at the same price since 2012 – from £3 to £4 And introducing a discounted 5-18 special event ticket priced (at 50% of the revised adult price)
The paper also sets out proposals that would cut the cost of travel for young people aged 16 to 18.
If approved, the change would see the cost of an off-peak day or weekend ticket cut in half. The fare increases that were consulted on over the summer do not subsidise the fare cut for 16-18 year-olds.
This latest move to support young people across Greater Manchester comes just weeks after the launch of a similar scheme introduced on Greater Manchester’s bus network.
Both moves support Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham’s manifesto to extend discounted travel to the region’s young people – with those who have a 16-18 get me there smart card eligible for the offer.
The Mayor, said: “I committed to putting young people at the heart of my manifesto and a key part of that was to open up opportunities for 16 to 18 year olds in Greater Manchester. There is still a way to go but half-price travel on our Metrolink, together with half-price bus travel, are steps in the right direction.
“I remain absolutely committed to the introduction of free travel for all 16-18 year olds and will continue working towards that ultimate goal – ensuring young people can more easily access jobs, training, education and all the other opportunities that Greater Manchester offers.”
