Metrolink introduces “simpler” zonal ticket system – but price of a return from Altrincham to Manchester goes up 40p

By Josh Peachey at

The price of a Metrolink journey from Altrincham to Manchester city centre is set to rise again under a new zonal system that aims to simplify the current system and provide “better value for money”.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will bring in the new zonal system on January 13th 2019 and also replace return tram tickets with day travel cards, meaning that an adult peak return journey from Altrincham to Manchester city centre will go up from £6.60 to £7. That follows a rise from £6.50 in January 2018.

The price of an adult single for the same journey will go up from £4.40 to £4.60 and an off-peak return will also rise from £4.60 to £4.80.

The new system is designed to transform Manchester’s travel network into something similar to London’s and reduce the number of ticket options available.

The new zones for the Metrolink

The travelcards, which will replace return tickets, will allow travellers to make as many journeys as they want within specified zones, rather than just a trip from one stop to another.

While the new system does make some journeys cheaper, a daily commute into the city centre will become more expensive because Altrincham is in zone four.

The season passes will also change with the seven-day pass into town going up from £28.40 to £30, the 28-day pass from £93 to £98, and the annual-pass will rise from £1,050 to £1,110.

The move to a more integrated ticket system was one of the Mayor’s manifesto pledges and is a key part of TfGM’s 2040 Transport Strategy.

The change to the ticketing system was one of Mayor Andy Burnham’s manifesto pledges

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The current fares and ticketing system in Greater Manchester is complex and undoubtedly a barrier that prevents some people from making the most of our public transport network.

“I’m keen to see a system that is simpler to use, more convenient and offers passengers more for their money.

“This new zonal structure is important as Greater Manchester moves towards an integrated, London-style public transport system.”