What you will pay from April 2021 after 'unfortunate' Metro fare rises approved

A fare hike for Tyne and Wear Metro passengers will come into force in April 2021, after being signed off by councillors.
Metro fares are rising as transport chiefs try to balance the booksMetro fares are rising as transport chiefs try to balance the books
Metro fares are rising as transport chiefs try to balance the books

The cost of an adult single or all-day ticket is going up by 10p, weekly passes by a maximum of 20p, four-week tickets by up to 80p, and annual passes by no more than £7 from April 1.

The fare increases amount to an overall 1.6% rise, in line with inflation, after Metro operator Nexus opted against imposing a harsher increase that would have helped cover more of the heavy losses incurred during the Covid pandemic.

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Papers presented to the North East Joint Transport Committee’s Tyne and Wear Sub-Committee on Thursday afternoon revealed that an alternative plan to hike ticket prices by 4.6% was deemed “detrimental” to hopes of attracting people back to public transport once lockdown restrictions are eased, though the prospect of a blanket price freeze was “not considered to be affordable”.

Ticket prices are being frozen, however, for under-18s as well as for elderly or disabled passengers who have a Gold Card.

Gateshead councillor John McElroy told Thursday’s meeting that “nobody ever wants to raise fares”, particularly during the pandemic crisis when the Metro has been a crucial lifeline for key workers.

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However, committee chair Coun Gladys Hobson added that the government had wanted fares to be increased further than Nexus was proposing.

Coun Joyce McCarty, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said that while the fare rise was an “unfortunate decision”, she felt the proposals did protect the elderly, disabled, and children.

A Metro family offer allowing up to three children aged 11 and under to travel for free at weekends if accompanied by a fare paying adult is going to be extended to all day, every day.

Nexus says it also wants to “explore new ticket options” – such as offering cheaper, more flexible tickets for part-time workers.

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A pay-by-phone system is also set to be introduced from next Monday at Nexus’ six pay and display Metro car parks, but daily fees will increase from £1 to £1.20 – this will apply at Bank Foot, Callerton Parkway, Four Lane Ends, Northumberland Park, Regent Centre, and Stadium of Light.

The newly-approved Metro and Shields Ferry fares from April 1 2021 will be:

:: A one zone single will go up from £2.00 to £2.10; two zone single from £2.90 to 3.00; all zone single from £3.60 to £3.70. Pop Pay As You Go prices will rise by 10p, but retaining a 45p discount compared to a standard single ticket.

:: A one zone adult day ticket will go up from £3.20 to £3.30; a two zone day ticket from £4.30 to £4.40; an all zone Day Ticket from £5.30 to £5.40. Pop Pay As You Go prices will rise by 10p, retaining a 55p discount compared to a standard day ticket.

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:: A total freeze on all tickets for those aged 18 and under, including Pop Blue, season tickets and class passes for schools.

:: A minimum of a 30% discount versus the equivalent adult fares will continue to be offered to students via the Student Metro Season Ticket.

:: The 18 and Under Metro Season Ticket, which offers a 60% discount on the cost of travel, remains available to all young people aged 16 to 18.

:: The one zone weekly Metro Season Ticket will rise from £11.40 to £11.50; a two zone weekly from £17.00 to £17.20; an all zone weekly goes from £23.10 to £23.30.

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:: The one zone four-week Metro Season Ticket would rise from £40.30 to £40.70; the two zone four weekly goes from to £59.20 to £59.80; an all zone four weekly is up from £78.30 to £79.10.

:: The price of the one zone annual Metro Season Ticket is up from £445.50 to £450; the two-zone annual is up from £622.10 to £628.50; the all zone annual is up from £688 to £695.

:: The Metro Gold Card, which gives pensioners and people with disabilities unlimited off-peak Metro travel, will remain frozen in price at £12, or £24 for those not resident in Tyne and Wear.

:: A single ticket on the Shields Ferry would go up from £1.80 to £1.90; a Ferry day ticket goes from £3.00 to £3.10; a child ferry single is frozen at 70p; Pop Pay As You go customers see a 45p saving on the cost of a single Shields Ferry trip, and a saving of 55p on the cost of a Ferry day ticket in comparison to the standard ticket price; Pop blue is frozen in price for journeys on the Shields Ferry.

:: A one-week ticket for the Shields Ferry will go up from £10.60 to £10.70; a four-week ferry ticket is up from £37.20 to £37.60.

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