Member Article

Metro fare rises capped following lobbying

Lobbying by the Integrated Transport Authority has paid off, as Tyne and Wear Metro fare increases for 2012 have been capped at a lower level.

Metro single tickets will rise by 10p, instead of 20p, from January 1, and the annual MetroSaver will now be frozen in price for a fourth year, if renewed online.

The price of Corporate MetroSavers had also been frozen, while season tickets and student passes will go up in price less than was first planned.

Extra financial help from the Government, on top of the normal subsidy was sort by Tyne and Wear ITA.

It means fares will rise overall by 5.8% instead of the planned 7.2%, as the increases will take effect from Sunday January 1.

Chairman of the Tyne and Wear ITA, Cllr David Wood, said: “As a result of discussions we have won an improved settlement from the Government in 2012 that will reduce the impact of fare rises at a time when families are struggling with the cost of living.”

“I am pleased the Government has listened to the concerns of elected members on the Authority and seen the need to assist with funds to alleviate the fares increases.”

Bernard Garner, Director General of Nexus, which owns and manages Metro, said: “The cost of single tickets, student passes and weekly and monthly MetroSavers will all go up by less than previously planned.

“Annual Metrosaver customers who renew online will be paying the same price as in January 2009, which provides terrific value.

“When we recommended new Metro fares to the ITA last month we kept them as low as we could, but we now have extra funds in 2012 to reduce the increase or freeze the price of some key fares.

“Despite this an increase in overall Metro fares are still needed to balance the contribution passengers make with the subsidy the system receives from local and national Government.

“This is one-off support from the Government which will not be available next year, but it will help hard-pressed families and the economy now, when it is needed.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .