Metrolink bosses have announced that the option to purchase one-day travel passes via its app will soon be removed as part of a crackdown on 'fare evasion'.
Metrolink passengers will no longer be able to purchase 1-day travelcards via the Get Me There app from June 13, 2022. From then on, passengers are being advised to travel by touching-in and out with their contactless card via the smart reader at each stop.
The tram operator said the decision to remove 1-day cards from the app comes after reports that a small number of passengers have attempted to travel without paying, and then only paying for a ticket when inspections take place.
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Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink, said: “We are operating in an extremely challenging financial environment, and whilst most passengers are honest and travel on Metrolink with valid tickets, we know that a minority blatantly try to travel without paying, only buying a single ticket via the app when they see ticket inspections taking place. This type of behaviour is dishonest and unfair on fare-paying passengers.
“Fare evasion also takes potential revenue away that could be invested into network improvements and extensions which benefit all users, plus ensures that we can continue to operate current services, which millions of people across Greater Manchester rely on to access work, leisure, and essential services.
“With this in mind, we have made the decision to remove certain ticket options from the app, particularly as contactless travel popularity continues to grow. Approximately 150,000 contactless journeys are made every week and growing, and we would encourage anyone with a contactless enabled bank card that requires a single or 1-day travelcard to use this method of payment.
“Contactless works out the best fare for you, just remember to touch-in and touch-out at the start and end of each journey, using the same card or device, and you’ll never pay more than the daily or weekly cap.”
Single tickets and day travelcards will still be available to purchase from ticket machines, while weekend, 7-day and 28-day travelcards will continue to be available to buy on the app.
