Tram fare-dodging loophole set to close

Plans being put before the West Midlands Combined Authority’s board this week aim to update the byelaws governing use of the West Midlands Metro.

A previous quirk of the system meant that if someone has got off the tram without buying a ticket and is approached by an inspector at the tram stop, they could say they left the ticket on the vehicle.

A new proposed clause to be added to the byelaws states: “Any person identified as having travelled upon a vehicle and who subsequently leaves the vehicle must retain a valid ticket whilst upon Midland Metro Property.”

The current on-the-spot penalty fare for anyone without a ticket is £10 – but anyone failing to pay becomes liable to prosecution with a maximum penalty of £1,000.

The WMCA board is also asked to approve works to consult on and introduce new penalty fares, as well as £4.5 million in funds for a “Buy Before You Board (BBYB)” project including ticket vending machines.

The report to the board states: “Although the existing legislation supports the penalty fare regime, a loophole exists for persons who have travelled without a valid ticket and have alighted a vehicle.

“In such cases where ticket inspections may take place on tram platforms and exits to tram stops, fare evaders may advise that they have left their ticket onboard the vehicle.

“To close this loophole and to ensure effective revenue protection is in place for the introduction of BBYB an additional clause within the Midland Metro Byelaws is required.”

Another proposed change makes it clear users cannot “buy, or produce a [fraudulent] ticket for themselves or another person”.

A new clause is suggested banning the carrying of any “knives, bladed articles or other offensive weapons” alongside firearms and explosives already covered in the byelaws.

Another change states the operator of the Metro [Midland Metro Limited] will not not be liable for any damages if required to remove an obstruction on the tram network.

Vaping products and E-cigarettes are proposed to be added to a section which already bans cigarettes and cigars.

A new clause makes it clear guide dogs are permitted on the Metro – but another states the operator will not be liable for any damages if required to remove any other animal.

Another change states “fold-up bicycles are permitted if fully folded prior to boarding the vehicle”

An additional clause has been proposed stating “no person whilst on West Midlands Metro shall loiter” – alongside an existing rule against setting up temporary or permanent residence.

The board is asked to grant approval to progress the changes to the byelaws in accordance with the powers conferred upon WMCA by section 49 of the Midland Metro Act (1989).