Fines for travelling on trams in Greater Manchester without valid tickets or passes are set to increase by 20% before the end of the month.
As part of what are said to be ongoing efforts to “tackle fare evasion on public transport” in the region, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced today that, in just a couple of weeks time, anyone who decides to travel on the Metrolink without a valid ticket or pass could see themselves hit with maximum fine of £120 – which will be reduced to £60, if paid within two weeks.
The fine for failing to pay by contactless will also rise to £60 at the same time, which is an even greater percentage increase overall.
TfGM has revealed that almost 55,000 penalty fares have been issued so far in 2023, with just under 6,000 cases brought to court and some defendants eventually receiving fines of up to £450.
At the moment, the maximum penalty for fare evasion on the Metrolink network is set at £100, with a reduction to £50 if paid within two weeks, while the fine for failing to pay by contactless is currently set at £45.
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But all that is set to change from Sunday 24 September.
Fines for Metrolink fare evasion to increase by 20% as part of ‘crackdown’ / Credit: TfGM
These fines are also being introduced on Bee Network franchised bus services, which are launching in Bolton, Wigan, and parts of Salford, Bury, and Manchester on the same date.
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With the increased charges set to take effect before this month is out, TfGM is urging passengers to make sure they’ve bought their tickets ahead of boarding, and always touch-in at the start and touch-out at the end of every journey when using contactless, smart cards, or concessionary passes to avoid being handed fines.
As part of this increased TfGM “crackdown”, dozens of additional Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are also being employed to carry-out ticket inspections, as well as to help passengers travelling on the tram, it has been confirmed.
Plain clothes officers are also being deployed by Metrolink’s operator with the sole purpose of “targeting” passengers who deliberately avoid buying a ticket.
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Almost 55,000 penalty fares have been issued so far in 2023 / Credit: TfGM
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, says tackling fare evasion will “continue to be a priority” as the region moves over to the new integrated Bee Network, and it’s something that he’s personally taking “very seriously”.
“While most people who travel by tram do so legally by purchasing a ticket, there are some who continue to think the rules do not apply to them,” Mr Burnham said.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
14th September 2023 
