More than five million contactless journeys made on Metrolink

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Metrolink’s ‘London-style’ pay-as-you-go contactless system is proving more popular than ever, with more than 5 million journeys now having been made since its launch.

The tram network’s touch in/ touch out system allows customers to travel quickly, securely and flexibly across the network without the need to download an app or buy a paper ticket.

Initially launched in July 2019, it was further enhanced following the roll-out of the Bee Flex Weekly in September, which means customers can now travel in confidence knowing they will never pay more than a seven-day travel pass when they touch-in and out with a contactless bank card or device.

Recent events in Greater Manchester have seen customers embracing the contactless payment system with 123k contactless journeys made on the week commencing 6 September which saw Parklife at Heaton Park as well as a Manchester United game.

40,000 journeys were made using contactless Saturday 25 September and a new weekly record of a 141k journeys as the region hosted a number of major 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.”  

 The 5m journey mark was passed on 17 September.

To find out more about contactless journeys, please head to https://tfgm.com/contactless.  

Photo credit: TfGM

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