Metro ticket price hikes should be axed until all new trains are in service

Commenting on plans for increases in Tyne and Wear Metro fares of up to 9% for some tickets which will be voted on by councillors on the North East Joint Transport Tyne and Wear Sub-Committee next week, Lib Dem councillor for Pallion and Ford Estate Martin Haswell said:

“It would be a dereliction of duty for Labour councillors on the regional transport committee to agree to yet more price hikes for hard-pressed Metro passengers when we are having to put up with the worst service levels ever.

“Forcing people to pay more when just 61% of trains are running on time is a massive kick in the teeth. The transport committee should insist on delaying any fare increases until all the new trains are in service and we have a Metro that people can actually rely on.

“Once again, we are also seeing bigger fare increases for paper tickets which unfairly penalises older and vulnerable residents who can’t or don’t want to use apps or pay as you go smartcards. This is totally unfair and should be re-considered.”