Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has seen over five million contactless payments made on Metrolink, since the pay-as-you-go system was launched in July 2019.
The tram network’s touch in/ touch out system is designed to allows customers to travel quickly, securely and flexibly across the network without the need to download an app or buy a paper ticket.
The contactless payment solution was further enhanced following the roll-out of the Bee Flex Weekly in September, which means customers will never pay more than a seven-day travel pass when they touch-in and out with a contactless bank card or device.
TfGM said recent events in Greater Manchester have seen customers embracing the contactless payment system with 123,000 contactless journeys made on the week commencing 06 September, which saw Parklife at Heaton Park as well as a Manchester United game.
Furthermore, 40,000 journeys were made using contactless on Saturday 25 September and a new weekly record of 141,000 journeys was achieved as the region hosted a number of events including the Courteeners at Old Trafford and the Great Manchester Run
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “By making tram travel easier, more flexible and providing value for money for our residents and visitors, pay-as-you-go has been a real game-changer for Metrolink customers
“I’m delighted by how well it’s been received and I’m sure its popularity will only grow following the recent introduction of the Bee Flex Weekly.
“It shows what we can deliver locally and is exactly what I want to see across – and integrated with – all our other modes of transport.
“Our plans are ambitious but achievable and can be the foundations for levelling up the north. Having the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester is a great opportunity not only for me to share our vision with government but discuss how we can work together to get there – because ultimately we need them to come with us on this journey.”
