Inadequate Metrolink ticketing facilities at Manchester Victoria

[yorksrob]

As a result of First Transpennine's usual inability to run a train service, I found myself needing to travel from Vic to Pic quickly. Unfortunately on arrival at the tram platform there are only two ticket machines.

Not a problem I thought - five minutes to the tram. I go to the empty one. Screen frozen and nothing happening. After a few seconds jabbing away to no avail, I join the queue for the other machine. This had a large group of people unfamiliar to the area, trying to work out what ticket to get and how to use the machine. My tram came and went.

Eventually I did manage to obtain a ticket, however the set up strikes me as wholly inadequate for a major interchange. There was no one on hand from TfGM to assist out of towners, only two ticket machines on the platform, one of which wasn't working. The only tiny maps of the system are on the ticket machines.

It was a bit of a fiasco really and I only just made it to Pic in time for my train.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

Always used to be a pain when interchanging at Cornbrook station for onward travel on the (Manchester) Metrolink system to find that the TVM there didn't work. This was particularly the case when there was officially no access from street level and so not many journeys originated (or in my case continued) from there.

 

[markymark2000]

I think Metrolink are trying to go more now for a tap on, tap off so ticket machines are not really their priority sadly.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I think Metrolink are trying to go more now for a tap on, tap off so ticket machines are not really their priority sadly.

Is this a case where an obsession with using cash almost caused a missed train? Or did the OP possess a card but not know about the tap in tap out, which obviously doesn't work for families but does for individuals? Or was he wanting a concessionary ticket, a small saving compared to the inconvenience of missing a train?

OTOH on a system with fully compulsory ticketing, i.e. where one may not just board even if all machines are broken, they really do need to be maintained properly.

On the subject of confused people faffing, if they are in my way I tend to find a good way to get them out of the way without upsetting them is to help them make their purchase.

 

[johncrossley]

The tram takes about 10 minutes and it takes about 20 minutes to walk. So if you have to wait 5 minutes there isn't much of a difference. When I've been in a rush I normally walk fast or jog. If I have a ticket valid on the tram then I might get it if it coming soon. In that case I usually get the first one that goes as far as Market Street then walk or jog the rest.

 

[yorksrob]

The tram takes about 10 minutes and it takes about 20 minutes to walk. So if you have to wait 5 minutes there isn't much of a difference. When I've been in a rush I normally walk fast or jog. If I have a ticket valid on the tram then I might get it if it coming soon. In that case I usually get the first one that goes as far as Market Street then walk or jog the rest.

Funnily enough, I ended up getting one to market street, hence I just made my connection !

 

[johncrossley]

The connection was probably quicker when it was run by the number 4 bus. It was much more frequent than the current tram service.

 

[Bald Rick]

completely perplexed by this. You don’t need a ticket, just use contactless.

 

[yorksrob]

completely perplexed by this. You don’t need a ticket, just use contactless.

Where is the terminal for this ?

 

[Bletchleyite]

Where is the terminal for this ?

On the platform, usually near the entrance but there are others.

Full details here including a video:

Pay as you go with contactless on tram

It’s easier to pay for tram travel with contactless. Touch in with your card or device to start a journey, touch out when you finish your journey.

tfgm.com

 

[Bald Rick]

Where is the terminal for this ?

several on each and every platform I’ve ever used on Metrolink, and there always seems to be one where you access the platform.

 

[yorksrob]

On the platform, usually near the entrance but there are others.

Full details here including a video:

Pay as you go with contactless on tram

It’s easier to pay for tram travel with contactless. Touch in with your card or device to start a journey, touch out when you finish your journey.

tfgm.com

several on each and every platform I’ve ever used on Metrolink, and there always seems to be one where you access the platform.

Well, it can't be that prominent. Plus, how do you tell it how far you want to go !

 

[Bletchleyite]

Well, it can't be that prominent. Plus, how do you tell it how far you want to go !

You tap in and out, exactly the same as on TfL services.

 

[Bald Rick]

Well, it can't be that prominent.

My daughter, who is possibly the least observant teenager in Hertfordshire, and struggles with ticket machines, found them and worked it out in 3 seconds…

 

[wilbers]

There is also the free bus (route 2, or maybe the longer route 3 if it turns up first).

free bus

free bus – free travel around Manchester city centre

tfgm.com

 

[The exile]

completely perplexed by this. You don’t need a ticket, just use contactless.

Which again is fine if you are used to this from your home area and don’t mind revealing to all and sundry (twice) where you keep your card.

 

[Bald Rick]

Which again is fine if you are used to this from your home area and don’t mind revealing to all and sundry (twice) where you keep your card.

I think almost everyone is used to using it from their home area, it’s called paying for something with contactless.

ps I use my phone (as do most people, from observation)

 

[Bletchleyite]

and don’t mind revealing to all and sundry (twice) where you keep your card.

What on earth is the point in carrying a payment card if you aren't going to use it to make payments for fear of someone nicking it, a situation that is less serious than if they nicked a wallet containing fifty quid in cash that your bank wouldn't give you back?

There are some spurious objections, but this one takes the proverbial cake.

 

[The exile]

I think almost everyone is used to using it from their home area, it’s called paying for something with contactless.

ps I use my phone (as do most people, from observation)

While paying by contactless is widespread, by no means all transport undertakings do tap on tap off. Round this part of the world, where it was only introduced a few months ago; from observation very few use it, and many of those who do seem unsure what the process is.

What on earth is the point in carrying a payment card if you aren't going to use it to make payments for fear of someone nicking it, a situation that is less serious than if they nicked a wallet containing fifty quid in cash that your bank wouldn't give you back?

There are some spurious objections, but this one takes the proverbial cake.

There is a massive difference between using a payment card in a reasonably controlled environment (checkout at shop, for example) and while getting on / off a crowded vehicle where you can't immediately stop to put it away and there are loads of people milling about. Your card is much more useful to pickpockets etc than the small change you drop in your trouser pocket.

 

[Bletchleyite]

There is a massive difference between using a payment card in a reasonably controlled environment (checkout at shop, for example) and while getting on / off a crowded vehicle where you can't immediately stop to put it away and there are loads of people milling about.

They are on the platform, not on the vehicle, so this does not apply. You don't do it when getting on/off a crowded vehicle, and you can immediately stop to put it away (unlike at a TfL gateline unless you want an umbrella in the back).

Objections are really quite spurious, on the transport network that carries by far the most passengers in the UK each day (TfL) it is working an absolute dream.

Your card is much more useful to pickpockets etc than the small change you drop in your trouser pocket.

However that's at the bank's loss, not yours. If a card is stolen and reported promptly (and why wouldn't you?) you are liable for NONE of the losses. Not even pocket change's worth.

"But I wouldn't notice" - yes you would, when you didn't have it to tap off with or when you next attempted to pay for something using it or withdraw cash.

 

[The exile]

They are on the platform, not on the vehicle, so this does not apply. You don't do it when getting on/off a crowded vehicle, and you can immediately stop to put it away (unlike at a TfL gateline unless you want an umbrella in the back).

Objections are really quite spurious, on the transport network that carries by far the most passengers in the UK each day (TfL) it is working an absolute dream.



However that's at the bank's loss, not yours. If a card is stolen and reported promptly (and why wouldn't you?) you are liable for NONE of the losses. Not even pocket change's worth.

"But I wouldn't notice" - yes you would, when you didn't have it to tap off with or when you next attempted to pay for something using it or withdraw cash.

It wouldn’t help you to cope for the rest of the day, though.

 

[Tetchytyke]

You don't even need to use a card, as Google Pay and Apple Pay can also be used for TfGM contactless. The big yellow readers are fairly obvious.

 

[Bletchleyite]

It wouldn’t help you to cope for the rest of the day, though.

If you're that paranoid pay cash at the TVM but accept your transaction will take a few minutes to queue and use it as against a fraction of a second to tap.

 

[javelin]

While paying by contactless is widespread, by no means all transport undertakings do tap on tap off. Round this part of the world, where it was only introduced a few months ago; from observation very few use it, and many of those who do seem unsure what the process is.

Yeah, contactless and contactless pay-as-you-go are different things. For many bus operators their contactless isn't the pay-as-you-go variety, although some are starting to use it now. The driver just asks where you are going/what ticket you want and you pay for that ticket like you would in a shop. It saves fumbling for cash but you still have to interact with the driver.

Contactless pay-as-you-go systems are a different setup where the fare is calculated automatically for you based on your journey before the operator requests the contactless payment from the bank. This eliminates the interaction altogether and speeds things up. It also allows them to intelligently cap your payment before request.

Many people familiar with London may wonder what the fuss is about. But for most people outside London who barely if ever use the Tube/Overground etc, Metrolink may be their first experience of pay-as-you-go contactless. Especially one where you tap on and off (because it's zonal, not flat fare) and there aren't any fare gates to prompt you.

 

[etr221]

Whatever the merits of TfGM's contactless system, the big problem (if you don't) is knowing that it exists, and when/where and how to use it... A (very) quick look at TfGM's website didn't strike that working out how to use (and pay for) their services was exactly simple.

Although to be fair, whether they are any worse (or better) than anywhere else is doubtful. There is a great expectation amongst such operators that everyone is a local who knows how the local sytem works - but that's not true: and as each city does its own thing, visitors get totally confused.

If I get off the train, exit the station and go to ride the tram, what do I do? Are there obvious signs to tell me? (Memo to self: next time I'm doing this, take a look) If I actually want a bus, is it very different?

Sigh - it used to be so simple (and standard) - you got on, and somebody took your money and gave you a ticket...

 

[markymark2000]

A (very) quick look at TfGM's website didn't strike that working out how to use (and pay for) their services was exactly simple.

TFGM and their website covers multiple modes of transport, some of which doesn't accept contactless tap on, tap off. Once on TFGMs site though, it took me 2 clicks to find contactless. Those being 'Tram Ticket Prices' then 'contactless' just underneath. Contactless is also promoted on 'where to buy tram tickets'. If you click any zones to try and find a fare, click into the fare and it says where to buy the tickets and promotes contactless.

It is promoted well on the website. They can't have a big banner though saying 'pay contactless' since not all transport modes accept this. At somewhere like Victoria though, it's a busy station with normal passengers but also has periods of very high demand with people coming out of the arena, etc, there should be a static tap on, tap off banner thing there.

 

[Bald Rick]

Whatever the merits of TfGM's contactless system, the big problem (if you don't) is knowing that it exists, and when/where and how to use it... A (very) quick look at TfGM's website didn't strike that working out how to use (and pay for) their services was exactly simple.

“Manchester Tram Tickets” in Google takes you straight to the tram ticket prices page, and there’s a button marked ‘contactless’. Couldn’t be easier to find!

 

[Hadders]

While paying by contactless is widespread, by no means all transport undertakings do tap on tap off. Round this part of the world, where it was only introduced a few months ago; from observation very few use it, and many of those who do seem unsure what the process is.


There is a massive difference between using a payment card in a reasonably controlled environment (checkout at shop, for example) and while getting on / off a crowded vehicle where you can't immediately stop to put it away and there are loads of people milling about. Your card is much more useful to pickpockets etc than the small change you drop in your trouser pocket.

But getting cash out of your wallet (where you also keep your contactless card) is presumably more secure......

Sigh - it used to be so simple (and standard) - you got on, and somebody took your money and gave you a ticket...

It doesn't get much more simple than using contactless to pay for a tram journey.

 

[yorksrob]

I did actually use contactless on the ticket machine. There didn't appear to be anywhere on the tram to wave ones card at (like the pad on a bus cab).

 

[yorkie]

Sigh - it used to be so simple (and standard) - you got on, and somebody took your money and gave you a ticket...

Is this satire? If not, I am very confused by your post; contactless makes this genuinely easier than it ever has been!

Last time I used Metrolink, I used contactless and it was far easier than the days of giving someone some money for a ticket.

I don't think I've ever taken the tram just for Vic to Pic though; I always walk (or, if in a rush, jog/run, which definitely beats the tram!)

There didn't appear to be anywhere on the tram to wave ones card at (like the pad on a bus cab).

It's not done on the tram! It's basically the same concept as the DLR; tap in and out at the stations.