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.
“Our message is clear – if you travel on Metrolink without paying, you’ll now face a higher penalty fare, and you could be prosecuted.”
Featured Image – TfGM
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Heaton Park’s historic tramway will be back up and running this summer after major funding secured
Emily Sergeant
Historic trams are set to run through Heaton Park once again from this summer thanks to some major new funding being secured.
For just over a year now, trams have been unable to run through Manchester‘s largest suburban park as the electrical substation which powers the Heritage Tramway needed an overhaul to bring it up to current safety standards – but now, some substantial funding has been secured to enable the essential restoration work to begin in the spring.
The trams operate on the only remaining section of the original tramway in Heaton Park, and offer locals and visitors alike a real glimpse into the past.
This piece of local history is operated by the volunteers of the Manchester Transport Museum Society (MTMS) on behalf of the Manchester Tramway Company Limited (MTCL) – a joint venture company between the Manchester Transport Museum Society and Manchester City Council.
This major investment into the existing infrastructure will ensure operation of the trams can continue for many years to come.
The £481,000 funding investment – which has been secured from Manchester City Council – should mean the tramway can restart in summer 2026, which just so happens to coincide with the 125th anniversary of Manchester’s first electric tramways in 1901, so it’s a big deal.
“Our support of the much-loved Heaton Park Tramway not only preserves an important piece of local heritage, but a piece of living history,” commented Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council.
“The vintage trams hold a special place in the hearts of many people.”
Heaton Park’s historic tramway will be back up and running this summer after major funding was secured / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)
Geoff Senior, who is the Chairman of the Manchester Transport Museum Society, called the securing of funding ‘wonderful news’.
He added: “It represents a huge vote of confidence in the hard work and dedication [volunteers] have shown in the last 50 years of working to build, develop and run this vital piece of Manchester’s transport heritage, not only for the citizens of Manchester but those who travel to the park from wider afield.”
As mentioned, upgrade works to the Heaton Park Tramway will begin this spring – with the hopes trams will be back up and running again in the summer.
Featured Image – Adam McKendrick (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Harry Styles announced as latest performer at the 2026 BRIT Awards
Danny Jones
Yes, in what is set to be his Co-op Live debut (yes, the venue he’s literally invested in), Harry Styles has been confirmed as the latest blockbuster performer at this year’s BRITs.
The lineup for the 2026 BRIT Awards was already pretty stacked, but this just takes the cake.
Not long after FINALLY announcing his fourth album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally and releasing the new lead single, ‘Aperture’, the Cheshire-born singer-songwriter is coming to the Co-op Live arena for the very first time as part of the ceremony’s live music lineup.
Absolute scenes. Screaming, crying, throwing up.
we've got news… Harry's coming home 💋🪩@Harry_Styles will be making his live TV performance debut of music from his new album 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.' at The BRIT Awards 2026
Watch the performance live Saturday 28th February on ITV1 & ITVX in the UK and on… pic.twitter.com/Aax3lV03xM
The 31-year-old former One Direction member turned solo artist and global megastar recently revealed a raft of live shows this coming May (and there’s been plenty of discussion surrounding ticket prices), but he’s sadly overlooked Manchester for now.
However, anyone who already secured a seat at the first-ever BRITs here in Manchester will no doubt be doing cartwheels now following the announcement.
As if that wasn’t a mega enough name, he will be joining the likes of the wonderful, already award-winning and fellow multi-time nominee, Olivia Dean.
As quite literally two of the biggest musicians on the planet right now, we couldn’t pick a better roster if we dreamed it up ourselves.
Speaking of Ms Dean, she is also one of several acts confirmed to be playing a series of intimate acts across the country – and her’s is right here in Manchester.
You can see the full lineup of gigs HERE – all we’ll say is that there’s some seriously big hitters playing very small capacity venues on this list.
What a great few weeks for music, eh?
Taking place on Sunday, 28 February, public tickets for the show unfortunately sold out some time ago for what will also be his first-ever live musical TV performance.
Perhaps his booking is at least partly why we haven’t got a standalone Harry Styles Manchester gig on the ‘Together, Together’ tour, but we’re still keeping everything crossed that he’ll announce a second leg of shows here in the UK.
You’d think he’d fancy properly headlining the gaff he helped pay for, or maybe a return to the Etihad Stadium across the way, right?
Find the complete shortlist of nominees, as well as the rest of the live music lineup for the 2026 BRITs ceremony here in Manchester, down below; and if you see on screen trying to clutch at Harry’s ankles, we’re sure you’ll understand…
Emily Sergeant -
14th September 2023 
