Metrolink Madness

[James Warrington]

Originally Posted by SeeYa

Hello merseyman. Welcome to the forum.

Ticket barriers will never be used on our Metrolink system. They are too expensive and people intent on not paying will simply jump them, as anyone who's spent any time on the tube in London will tell you.

New systems such as the London Docklands Light Rail and the Dublin LUAS all run in the same way - i.e. no barriers, no gates, few checks. It's the most economical way to run things even though it's abused by the minority.

Are they not currently trialing automated barriers at Oxford Road? I know it's rail but I heard on the grapevine that GMPTE were considering roling this out over the Greater Manchester area, including Metrolink stations. Not sure if it's 100% certain or just a rumour though.

[Altfish]

They'd have to change the metro ticket type, those flimsy cheap paper things won't work in an automated thing.
They'll also have to handle season tickets and OAP passes.

[James Warrington]

Originally Posted by Altfish

They'd have to change the metro ticket type, those flimsy cheap paper things won't work in an automated thing.
They'll also have to handle season tickets and OAP passes.

When I went through it I was using a ticket I bought at Alty station, it was one that was valid on the Met and then allwowed me to go on the train to Salford Crescent. Also it was a season ticket all I had to do was put it in the machine and it read it and let me through.

Not sure how you could deal with the OAP passes, maybe just give them a ticket that allowed them to travel for free. It might be a bit too flimsy to use for any prolonged period though.

Your right about the current Met tickets not working but if they changed them to the rail type they could be used on them. Might be cost effective in the long run.

I do miss the manned stations though, always liked going through the barrier at Alty when I was a kid. I'm sure you had to pay 10p for a platform ticket to get across to the swimming baths too. Bit different these days when no one seems to pay at all.

[Altfish]

The Met season ticket are on laminated card - doubt they'd fit most ticket machines

Oyster style cards are the answer. Unfortunately now the congestion charge is dead, it looks like the Oyster Card scheme is too.

[James Warrington]

Originally Posted by Altfish

The Met season ticket are on laminated card - doubt they'd fit most ticket machines

Oyster style cards are the answer. Unfortunately now the congestion charge is dead, it looks like the Oyster Card scheme is too.

The ticket I used wasn't the standard met ticket though, it was printed off like the standard type of train ticket and was valid for the tram as far as the city centre and had an add on to get me to Salford Crescent. The ticket I got was a monthly one but they also do a weekly ticket, you did need your Met photocard to get it though.

All I did to get through the barrier was take it out of the plastic wallet and put it through the machine just like the tube. Was pretty simple to do, you would need to change the ticket machines on the platforms though and put the barriers in.

Not sure where they could get the money, but they do have the technology to do it.

[Altfish]

If they are going to change the ticket machines and put barriers in; they may as well go the whole hog and introduce the Oyster style card.

But as you say, where does the money come from?

[SeeYa]

GMPTE announced a £5m project to replace all of the new ticket machines on the Metrolink network during 2009. These ticket machines will be modern and will accept credit cards. No Oyster-style cards I'm afraid.

Ticket barriers are significantly more costly that replacing ticket machines and such a project would be well known if it were on the cards.

The Oxford Road barriers are a good idea as it's very busy but the railways are an issue for the DfT and not GMPTE.

Don't expect ticket barriers on Metrolink anytime soon as they are simply not economically viable - they are probably barely viable at Oxford Road train station.

[boblet]

Originally Posted by SeeYa

Don't expect ticket barriers on Metrolink anytime soon as they are simply not economically viable - they are probably barely viable at Oxford Road train station.

Exactly, if you're going to avoid paying, you'd jump off at Deansgate and get the free shuttle bus to Oxford Rd
Before anyone accuses me of dodging fares, I have a County Card, which isn't accepted by the new machines! I have to show it every time.

Northern also have ticket barriers at Blackpool and Leeds.

Victoria is going to be refurbished in the next few years, I bet they install ticket barriers there!

[Altfish]

I see the City Centre improvements are starting very shortly – between April 6th and late September to be precise.
There are various phases during that period; but throughout St Peter’s Sq to Moseley St and the Piccadilly branch will be closed (Why the £%&& didn’t they renew that at the same time instead of before Xmas last year!!)
Altrincham trams will initially terminate at St Peter’s square; but later on they will only run as far as G-Mex, with a one line shuttle running to St Peter’s Sq.

Can’t wait!

[Altfish]

More information here...

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co....misery?rss=yes