A NEW four-zone ticketing system could be introduced on the Metrolink in Greater Manchester, bosses have announced.

The change would see the introduction of a completely new approach to fares and ticketing, replacing the existing system with an easy-to-understand four-zone system similar to London’s travel network.

Council bosses will consider the proposal at a Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting this week.

If approved, the changes would take place early next year and could cut the current 8,500 stop-to-stop fare combinations to just 10 zone-based fares.

Customers will be able to use one ticket for unlimited travel within their chosen zones, instead of for one-off journeys between specific stops.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said: “The fares and ticketing system in Greater Manchester is too complex, too disjointed and in need of an overhaul.

“I speak to a lot of people who ask me: ‘Why can’t we have a system like London?’ – and it’s a fair question, as anyone who’s travelled there knows just how ahead they are when it comes to fares and ticketing.

“But, devolution gives us the opportunity to put this right and develop a system that is simple, convenient and offers better value for money."

Ahead of any potential change, customers will be able to use contactless payments to quickly tap on and off trams.

Under current proposals the majority of zonal fares would be set to the lowest current prices, meaning most customers will not pay more than the pre-planned increases for 2019, with their tickets instead providing better value for money.

A public listening exercise is set to run ahead of any final decision being made about the proposed change. This will include an online questionnaire to gather feedback.