A new zonal fares system is being proposed for Metrolink. The proposal would replace the existing ‘station to station’ fare system with a zonal system – similar to London’s travel network.

You have the opportunity to share your feedback ahead of any final decision being made about the proposed change with a survey before 17 June. Take the survey here.

According to T4GM, the proposal would make using Metrolink simpler, more convenient and better value for money.

The proposal for Metrolink would introduce four ringed zones on the network.

Prestwich and Heaton Park stations are in Zone 3. Besses is at the border of zone 4 and 3 (ie treated as zone 3 for going south, but zone 4 for going north. Bowker Vale is at the border of zone 3 and zone 2 – ie zone 2 for going south, zone 3 for going north.

The proposed fares for Zone 3 into Manchester are:
Single: £4.00
Daily travelcard (peak): £6.20
Daily travelcard (off-peak): £4.20
7-day: £24.60
28-day: £81.00
Annual: £930.00

Regular tram users will notice that this is more than current prices – a single is £3.80, off peak return £4.00 and peak return £6.20.

In our view Metrolink is horrifically expensive compared to other modes of transport. An annual season ticket from Marple to Manchester Piccadilly (18 miles) is £1,030. Heaton Park to Manchester is 4 miles and £930.

Last year investigations from the Lib Dems revealed that 12% of Metrolink journeys are not paid for, so honest passengers are paying for the 1 in 8 journeys that are not.

This is our opportunity to have a say on the new fares proposals – you can do so here.