Fare-dodging youths pay price for ticketless Metrolink journeys

YOUTHS have appeared at Magistrates Court in Bury after crackdown on fare-dodging on Greater Manchester’s Metrolink network.

A special youth court event, the fourth of its type since the TfGM and Greater Manchester Police-led scheme began, was held after a spike in the number of under-18’s caught fare-dodging.

Organised by operator Metrolink RATP Dev, the event resulted in 16 youths from the Oldham area being fined a total of £2,629.20.

The youths were taken to court after failing to pay a standard fare charge of £50, which is issued to anyone caught travelling on the network without a valid ticket.

TfGM metrolink director, Peter Cushing, said: “Tackling fare evasion is extremely important, particularly as it sometimes goes hand-in-hand with other types of anti-social behaviour.

“Public transport is a safe way to travel in Greater Manchester but it is important that we continue to work together to help reinforce and maintain that through targeted interventions and proactive operations.”

The operations follow a crackdown on unpaid fines in September this year, which resulted in nine arrests.

Metrolink RATP Dev figures over the past year show that under-18s make up 20% of fare-dodgers in Greater Manchester.

Since the unit was established 18 months ago, uniformed officers have also been visiting schools across the region to educate youngsters on the consequences of crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion on public transport.

Carla Taylor, revenue recovery manager at Metrolink RATP Dev, said: “Taking anyone to court, especially a young person, is not a priority for us and we view it as a last resort.

“Our main focus is to look at the bigger picture and educate young people around the consequences of not buying a valid ticket before travelling on Metrolink.

“Over the coming months we will continue to work with schools to address the behaviours of students around fare evasion.”

The scheme allows contributing operators to share intelligence as well as crime and antisocial behaviour data.