Inspectors get tough on trams

Tram ticket inspectors who will patrol Oldham’s Metrolink system are being given police powers.

Half the 80-strong force of “travel safe officers” have so far qualified to exercise the special powers after the operator Stagecoach was given accredited status by Greater Manchester Police.

They wear special uniforms, can issue fixed penalty notices, confiscate alcohol and cigarettes, direct traffic, and share police intelligence.

The TSO’s have replaced the dedicated GMP unit which patrolled the network until it was disbanded a year ago. The whole TSO force will eventually get the powers.

When they are not dealing with anti-social behaviour, inspectors carry out random checks on tickets — which passengers have to buy from machines at stops before they board — and help disabled passengers on and off the trams.

They also check tram stop car parks to make sure that non-travellers are not hogging the spaces.

They will stop motorists as they drive in and ask to see a ticket — offering to sell the driver one from a handheld machine if they haven’t got one.

And they will work with police to seal off stations before boarding trams to check tickets.

Metrolink director Philip Purdy said: “During a station block, TSOs will be stationed at all entrances and exits to and from the tram stop. A separate team will then board each tram passing through the stop and check tickets.

“The operation is highly visible, acting as a deterrent to other passengers who may consider travelling without a ticket.”

Anyone caught without a ticket is asked to pay the “standard” penalty fare of £100 — halved if they pay up within a fortnight.