The number of Metrolink fare combinations is going down from 8,500 to just 10

Aplan to reduce the number of Metrolink fare combinations from 8,500 to just 10 has been agreed by council leaders.

The new four-zone ticketing system is intended to deliver easy-to-understand and better value fare for passengers across the network.

It will be introduced in early 2019 alongside a pre-planned fare increase.

Under the new system, 78.5% of fares will be lower than they would have been under the current system, while 10% will stay the same and 11.5% will be higher.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) provisionally approved the plans in May, subject to the results of a public engagement exercise which were presented on Friday.

Almost 5,000 people (4,981) completed the survey, with 73% finding a zonal system easy to understand and 57% saying it would be more convenient.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said: “A zonal system on Metrolink is the springboard to a better integrated, simpler and easier to use transport network.

“Simplifying the fares and ticketing system in Greater Manchester will ultimately make travelling by public transport a more attractive option, which is absolutely vital if we are to tackle congestion and improve air quality – two of the most challenging issues facing us today.”