Don't forget to have your say on zonal fares

Proposals to introduce a zonal fares system across the Metrolink network have been announced

A public engagement exercise giving the public the chance to feedback on proposals to introduce a zonal fares system across the Metrolink network comes to a close this weekend.

So far more than 4,000 responses have been submitted via the online survey. A special webpage has been developed that sets out the proposals in detail, including proposed zones and fares.

The proposal would replace the existing system with an easy to understand four-zone system, offering simpler, more flexible and better value fares.

Fares would be calculated based on the number of zones you travel in, with each zone only counted once.

Return fares (peak and off-peak) would be replaced by daily travel cards allowing unlimited travel within the selected zones.

Clearer, fairer and more flexible, the change would cut the current 8,500 stop-to-stop fare combinations to just ten.

Significantly, it would also help to pave the way for a fully-integrated ticketing system for Greater Manchester.

If approved by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority in July fare zones would be introduced in early 2019.

The public are being asked to share their feedback on the proposed changes via an online survey. The closing date for replies is midnight on Sunday 17 June.

Stephen Rhodes, TfGM’s Customer Director, said:
“There’s a reason most other large cities, such as London, Barcelona and Berlin, use a zonal fare system: they’re simpler, fairer, more flexible and better value for money. They’re also the essential first step in creating a truly integrated modern ticketing system that can be used across all modes of Greater Manchester’s public transport.

“It’s heartening we’ve already had such a large amount of feedback from members of the public, but I would encourage everyone who wants to share their views to complete the survey before midnight on Sunday.”

More information about the changes can be found at www.tfgm.com/zonal