Metro fares to rise – and bosses hit out as drivers reject 15% pay rise
THE cost of using the Metro is set to go up again, with higher fares due to come into force in January.
The price of adult single or day tickets on the rail network is expected to rise by up to 10p from January 2, while season ticket costs will increase by 3%.
Metro operator Nexus says that the fare hikes should help meet it the running costs of the ageing train service without causing a drop-off in passenger numbers.
A new offer is also being proposed to allow up to three children aged 11 and under to travel for free at weekends when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. All fares for young people aged 18 and under are also being frozen.
Managing director of Nexus, Tobyn Hughes, said: “Our overall package of fare proposals for 2020 delivers good value for our passengers. Metro will continue to have some of the cheapest fares in the country.
“Anyone who switches to a pay as you go Pop card will still be able to continue to enjoy a very good discount on the cost of their Metro travel.
“Other fares are going up in order to help us to meet Metro’s running costs. Metro is a public service that doesn’t make a profit and gets a Government subsidy to keep it running, so fare revenue is vital.”
Under changes that could be signed off by Tyne and Wear councillors next week, paper adult single or all-day tickets will go up by 10p – but only by 5p for passengers using Pop cards.
The cost of single and day tickets on the Shields Ferry is also due to increase by 10p, if approved by the North East Joint Transport Committee’s Tyne and Wear Sub-committee next Thursday.
On the weekend family offer, Mr Hughes added: “We gave a firm commitment to look at improved ticketing offers to attract more families and this is what we are going to deliver in 2020. Our offer means that up to three children aged 11 and under will be able to enjoy free weekend travel on Metro, which is excellent value for money.
“Metro is part of everyday life in Tyne and Wear, and -we want people to use the system for family days out. In 2020 we will celebrate Metro’s 40th anniversary and we want to attract future generations to use the service for many years to come.”
Our overall package of fare proposals for 2020 delivers good value for our passengers.
Tobyn Hughes