Metro passengers reminded to buy before they board

Passengers on the Metro tram network are being reminded that they must now buy a ticket before they get on the tram, after conductors were withdrawn from services.

The change came into force on Sunday 13 September. Since then, there have been no conductors selling tickets on board, and passengers are expected to have a valid ticket or pass before they travel.

How to buy a ticket

Tickets can be bought from machines at tram stops or through the Metro app. Passengers with a Swift card, the region's smartcard, or a valid pass can travel as normal.

Tickets will be checked

Revenue officers will carry out checks on trams. Passengers found without a valid ticket may face a penalty.

Why the change

Buying before boarding is the normal system on most tram networks in the UK and Europe, including in Manchester and Nottingham. It frees staff from selling tickets on board and allows them to focus on checks and customer help.

A growing network

The Metro runs from Wolverhampton through West Bromwich to Birmingham city centre, where it serves stops including Grand Central, Corporation Street and Bull Street, and continues out to Edgbaston Village. The line to Millennium Point is being extended towards Digbeth, with plans to continue into East Birmingham, and a further extension runs from Wednesbury towards Brierley Hill in the Black Country.

Service changes this autumn

There have also been some planned closures on parts of the network for maintenance and engineering work this summer and autumn. On those days, tickets are accepted on WMR trains between Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

Passengers are advised to check the Metro website or app before travelling for the latest information on disruption.

Concessions

Older people and disabled people with an English National Concessionary Travel pass can travel free on the Metro at the same times as on buses in the region.