Trams set for 6% fares rise

Metrolink fares are to rise by almost six per cent in the new year.

The decision was taken behind closed doors at an emergency meeting of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority’s Policy and Resources Committee.

The increase will arrive in January — more than 12 months after travellers were given two free days of travel because of disruption caused by the relaying of tracks in the city centre. Chairman of the committee, Manchester councillor Keith Whitmore, insists that the rise is overdue and was approved unanimously.

He said: “We held back any increases last year because of all the work in the city centre but now, the time has come.”

In the past, councillors have consulted local MPs before raising fares.

This time they decided to go ahead without telling members of parliament.

That has angered Blackley and Broughton Labour MP Graham Stringer who said: “They are treating the travelling public with contempt.”