Metro ticket rise may not be last
HIGHER Metro ticket fares will come into force today – and transport bosses say they cannot rule out another price hike later this year.
The price of an adult single or all-day ticket is going up by 10p, weekly passes by a maximum of 20p, four-week tickets by up to 80p and annual passes by no more than £7 .
Tyne and Wear councillors signed off an overall 1.6% fare hike earlier this year for the ailing rail network, which has required £47m worth of Government bailouts to keep trains running during the pandemic
The Metro’s most recent Government grant will cover its losses only until June 21, the day when all lockdown measures are scheduled to en.
Ministers yet to commit to the longterm funding package local leaders say is needed to cope with the fact passenger numbers will remain well short of normal levels for some time.
Operator Nexus indicated a further fare increase in 2021 cannot be entirely ruled out, though it would need approval from councillors on the North East Joint Transport Committee, and said cuts to train services would also be back on the table if the Department for Transport funding does not continue.
A report on the ticket fares earlier this year revealed an alternative plan was considered for a much higher price hike of 4.6% – but was ruled out as it would be “detrimental” to hopes of attracting people back on to public transport post-lockdown.
A blanket freeze on ticket prices was deemed unaffordable but they are being frozen for under-18s as well as for elderly or disabled passengers who have a Gold Card.
John Fenwick, director of finance and resources at Nexus, said: “Fare revenue is integral to how we finance Metro’s operations.
“Although fares have kept pace with inflation over a number of years we need to strike an appropriate balance so fares remain affordable
“Over the 15 months the Government has made £47m of emergency support available to Metro which has enabled Nexus to keep this essential service operating throughout the pandemic.
“Metro will undoubtedly need more support beyond that point. The Government understands the importance of Metro to the region and we remain in positive dialogue with officials.
“Our recovery plan is clear that increasing fares again or faster than the rate of inflation will be counter-productive at a time when we are trying to attract customers back to the network.”