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West Midlands Metro fares: How to travel and what you will pay under new system

Ticket fares on the West Midlands Metro are set to change later this month in a move to a "zonal" system designed to make it easier for passengers, chiefs say.

The current tram network will be split into four zones along the route – with Birmingham being one and Wolverhampton being four – from March 28 onwards.

Leaders have made the move in a bid to "simplify" the ticketing options to ensure they continue to offer passengers the "best value for their travel requirements".

New tickets are set to be introduced which range from a single to unlimited journeys all day in a variety of combinations designed to give customers flexibility.

A one-day Metro ticket between zones one and four will cost £6.50 during peak hours and £5 during off-peak hours, with a single costing £4.50 under the plans.

But a one-day Metro ticket between zones one and two – from Birmingham up to Black Lake – will only cost £4.30 or £4.10 during off-peak hours. And season tickets will also be updated to include zonal options.

Return tickets will be scrapped under the changes which are designed to offer a "similar level of value" to the return tickets, and allowing passengers to carry out "as many journeys as they like" within the zones of the ticket, for the duration of the day.

The new tickets will be available to purchase from conductors on-board the tram, using the My Metro app or via Swift. Metro ticket zones will also be available to buy at Payzone outlets in late Spring.

Zone one includes stops from Library in Birmingham to Jewellery Quarter, zone two is from Jewellery Quarter to Black Lake, zone three is from Black Lake to Priestfield, and zone four is from Priestfield to Wolverhampton St George's.

The new system comes in for the Midland Metro on Monday, March 28. Here's the information you need to know:

What will happen?

The Metro network will be split into four zones, one to four. According to the operator, the new ticket range will see the majority of journeys either reduced in price or with no additional cost for customers.

The zone-based ticketing system will allow customers to purchase unlimited travel across the entire network or within their chosen zone, without the need to specify which stops they are travelling between. The aim is to create greater flexibility in people’s travel plans.

Why are Metro Ticket Zones being introduced now?

Midland Metro says travel habits have changed in the last 12 months for a number of reasons. The system will help prepare for extensions to Edgbaston and Wolverhampton train station, as well as future expansions, and also make it simpler to navigate the system.

Will the zones be the same as the rail zones?

No. Whilst this was a consideration in the planning stages of the review, Midland Metro said it was recognised that the kinds of journeys that people make by tram are different from those made by train. It said it wanted the freedom to offer “flexibility and value”.

What if my stop is in two zones – will I be charged for both zones?

Where a stop has two zones, this is called a border stop. There are three stops (Jewellery Quarter, Black Lake and Priestfield) that are on the border of two zones. If you are starting or ending your journey at a border stop, you will not be charged for both zones. The zone that you pay for will depend on your direction of travel.

What are the new ticket options?

The range of tickets available to purchase has been simplified to make it easier. A full table of fares is available on the West Midland Metro website, taking in all four zones.

A single in Zone 1 will cost £2. A single taking in all four zones will be £4.50. A one day Metro ticket ranges from £2.80 to £6.50, depending on how many zones you travel and if the journey is peak or off-peak. A one week pass in Zone 1 only is £11.10, rising to £24.10 for all four zones.

There are separate charges for people travelling between particular zones. For example, a single between Zone 2 and Zone 3 is £2.80, but people travelling between Zone 1 and Zone 3 will pay £4.20.

Season tickets cost £820 for all zones. Children will continue to receive a 50 per cent discount on the adult ticket price.

Can I still buy a return ticket?

No. The new day tickets have been designed to offer a similar level of value to the return tickets, while giving customers the added value of carrying out as many journeys as they like within the zones of the ticket, for the duration of the day.

Where can I buy Metro Ticket Zone tickets?

Once the changes go live, tickets will be available to purchase from conductors onboard the tram, using the My Metro app, or via Swift. Metro ticket zones will also be available to buy at Payzone outlets in late spring.

It will take a little longer for the Payzone systems to be updated to include all of the new products.

The existing range of tickets will still be available from Payzone until the updates have been completed.

Can I buy a zonal metro ticket for travel by bus or train?

The new Metro Ticket Zones fares are currently only available for Metro-only products.

How can I change my Direct Debit to a new zonal combination?

You can call Midland Metro’s ticketing team on 0345 835 8181 for more information about the zonal combinations that are available for direct debit customers.

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Price reduced until 31st October 2023

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Our drivers are unable to give change so if you pay with cash please use the exact fare.

Buy on the bus using contactless payment or cash, on our mTicket app or with a Swift PAYG card

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Unlimited adult travel for 5 days on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

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You are unable to buy 18 & under tickets on our mTicket app.

Unlimited 18 & under travel for 1 day on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

Our drivers are unable to give change so if you pay with cash please use the exact fare. 16-18 year olds must be living within the West Midlands county and hold a valid 16-18 Swift card. The West Midlands county consists of Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull and Coventry. Children 4 years old and under travel for free when accompanied by a fare paying customer or pass holder.

Swift Pay As You Go (PAYG) top up

Pay As You Go Swift cards can be used as a cashless way to pay for Adult and 18 & under tickets on the bus.

PAYG cards can now only be topped up at a Payzone agent. The minimum you can add to your PAYG card is £10 and the card can hold a maximum of £50.

Exact fare system

Our buses have an exact fare system and the driver cannot give change, so please make sure you have the correct money. The exact fare system ensures that loading times are kept to a minimum. 

Our single journey fares are based upon 'fare stages', your fare is calculated by the number of 'fare stages' your journey takes you through. Update from 3rd July available soon. 

A Short Hop ticket lets you travel on the bus for about a mile across our network. For more information click here .

Valid for one single trip

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You are unable to buy Short Hop tickets on our mTicket app.

Birmingham Uni hop

The Birmingham Uni hop is available for all university students, employees and NHS staff members* travelling within the zone on selected services. For more information click here . 

*You must carry a valid ID card.

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Birmingham Uni Hop - 5 ticket bundle

Buy on our mTicket app only

Birmingham Uni Hop - 10 ticket bundle

Group tickets are for up to 5 people travelling together within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

You can find out more about our Group day ticket  here .

*Up to 5 adults or 2 adults and up to 4 children

Unlimited travel for up to 5 people or 2 adults and up to 4 children for 1 day on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses. Our drivers are unable to give change so if you pay with cash please use the exact fare.

National Express Bus travel outside nBus zone

Tickets for any National Express bus service that travels to, from or between locations outside the nBus zone . 

Adult single extra ticket

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Tickets for any National Express bus service that travels to, from or between locations outside the nBus zone. These tickets are only valid on National Express bus services.

Adult NX Day Saver extra ticket

Nx group day saver extra ticket.

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Child single extra ticket

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Child NX Day Saver extra ticket

TTickets for any National Express bus service that travels to, from or between locations outside the nBus zone. These tickets are only valid on National Express bus services.

(If you are aged between 16-18 you must show a valid  West Midlands 16-18 card )

Bus & metro - travel on bus and Metro tram

Unlimited travel on all bus operators within the nBus zone , on all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram.

Bus + Metro day ticket

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Unlimited adult travel on all bus operators that are part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands zone and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4. Our drivers are unable to give change so if you pay with cash please use the exact fare.

Unlimited 18 & under travel on all bus operators that are part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands zone and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4. Our drivers are unable to give change so if you pay with cash please use the exact fare. 16-18 year olds must be living within the West Midlands county and hold a valid 16-18 Swift card. The West Midlands county consists of Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull and Coventry. Children 4 years old and under travel for free when accompanied by a fare paying customer or pass holder.

(16-18 year olds must show a valid  West Midlands 16-18 card )

nNetwork - travel on bus, rail and Metro tram

Unlimited travel on all bus operators within the nBus zone , on all National Express buses ,  the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4 and train travel within zones 1-5 .

Family tickets are for a family of up to 2 adults and 4 children* travelling together. Minimum of 1 adult and 1 child needed.

One day nNetwork zones 1-5 ticket

Buy on the bus using cash, contactless payment or Swift PAYG card, on the tram or at West Midlands rail station

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nNetwork daytripper

After 9.30am weekdays and all day weekends

Y ou are unable to buy nNetwork tickets using our mTicket app.

Family daytripper

£13.60

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Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

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If you are not sure which rail zones the stations you need to travel to and from are in please view the map below.

If you need to travel to or from a station that is out side of the West Midlands choose the station from this list to just show tickets to cover that journey. If your station is not listed we do not have a ticket available please check the National Rail website.

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• Fare and ticket changes from 3rd July 2023

Published: 3rd July 2023

Fare and ticket changes 

Most fares have been frozen since 2017, the day ticket remains cheaper than in 2017 and some are even the same price as they were nearly 10 years ago. The reality is that some price rises are now needed to protect the bus network in the face of rising costs. Costs including fuel, electricity, parts and labour have increased by 25% in the past three years while the number of people using buses remains around 90% of what it was before the pandemic. 

• A single adult ticket will continue to be £2 until 31st October 2023 thanks to the government fare cap scheme
• An all day ticket is going up 50p from £4 to £4.50; still the cheapest day bus ticket of any city region in England
• A week pass will be £17, up £2 from £15 currently. Paying by Direct Debit is still the best value way to travel at £55 a month
• Unlimited travel on all bus operators that are part of the nBus scheme within the nBus zone *

Most popular tickets

Other popular tickets, other adult tickets.

Low fare zone tickets have been removed, new prices shown below are valid across the West Midlands.

Other child tickets

Low fare zone tickets have being removed, new prices shown below are valid across the West Midlands.

Anyone aged from 5-18* can travel using a child ticket. 16-18 year olds will need to have a valid 16-18 photocard .

Other student tickets

National express bus travel outside nbus zone.

Tickets for any National Express bus service that travels to, from or between locations outside the nBus zone. 

Available to buy from the driver on the bus, using contactless, Tap & Cap, cash or SwiftGo (Tap & Cap not available for child or group tickets).

These tickets are only valid on National Express bus services.

nBus tickets

nBus low fare zone tickets have been removed.

Bus and Metro tickets

Anyone aged from 5-18* can travel using a child ticket. 16-18 year olds will need to have a valid 16-18 photocard.

Top questions our customers are asking us

Why have you increased your fares? We are on our customers’ side. Our goal is to deliver a reliable bus service that provides great value. We have worked hard for years to keep fares low, with most frozen since 2017. The reality is that the price rises are needed to protect the bus network in the face of rising costs. Costs including fuel, electricity, parts and labour have increased by 25% in the past 3 years while the number of people using buses remains around 90% of what it was before the pandemic. 

A day ticket at £4.50 is still the best value of any city region in England - compared to £5 for a day ticket in Manchester and £5.20 in Nottingham.

And even better, customers can beat the rises by taking advantage of the Government’s £2 fare cap if they are just doing two journeys a day as two singles will be £4. A day ticket (best value for three or more journeys) is £4.50.

Is this National Express West Midlands being greedy? No, we provide an extensive bus network across the region that we are very proud of and this is about protecting those services for our customers. Costs have increased across the board, while the number of people using buses is still lower than it was. If we hadn't increased fares the only other option would be to reduce the network and that would mean letting customers down. We want more people to use buses and to be part of the solution for improving air quality and tackling climate change by reducing the number of private cars on the road. We can only do that by making sure buses are there for people to use.

Are you still offering £2 single fares? Yes, the Government’s £2 fare scheme has been extended until 31st October 2023 and we are proud to be participating to help keep our customers’ travel costs as low as possible. If you are doing just two journeys a day and you pay by contactless you don’t have to do anything, the system makes sure you never overpay.

Is this because of the bus strike earlier in the year? The costs of running buses have gone up across the board - pay is part of that but also fuel, electricity, parts and the costs of running a garage.

Is this just happening in the West Midlands? No. Bus operators and many other industries nationwide are also experiencing costs going up and having to look at how they can balance the books and maintain their networks. The West Midlands is great bussing territory because it has high population density and a proud heritage of bus usage which is why we haven’t had to increase fares until now. While the fares are increasing they will continue to be the cheapest of all city regions in England. 

How does the Government £2 fare cap work? The Government’s £2 fare scheme has been extended until 31st October 2023 and we are proud to be participating to help keep our customers’ travel costs as low as possible. If you are doing just two journeys a day and you pay by contactless you don’t have to do anything, the system makes sure you never overpay.

How do Tap & Cap contactless tickets work/Why can’t I use Tap & Cap on other operators' buses? The technology for Tap & Cap fares is only currently available on National Express buses, so customers can’t tap and have the fare capped on other operators’ buses. Remember, the same card or device must be tapped every time for Tap & Cap to work. If you tap on a National Express bus, your fare will automatically be capped at the best price.

Customers who wish to receive the ‘Tap & Cap’ experience across all bus operators should use SwiftGo . This automatically caps at the best price and can also be used on the tram.

Why have you removed the Low Fare Zone tickets? The Low Fare Zone (LFZ) tickets have been removed as they did not cover the costs of running the services. Working with TfWM, we agreed that we needed to charge a fair, but still great value price to continue to run the routes and cover their costs.

Customers that currently buy an adult £3 LFZ day ticket can apply for a SwiftGo card and use buses in the LFZ for £4.

You can order a SwiftGo card from TfWM’s website.

Why have you removed the £1 child add-on and £2 adult add-on tickets? These tickets have been removed as price rises are needed to protect the bus network in the face of rising costs. Costs including fuel, electricity, parts and labour have increased by 25% in the past 3 years while the number of people using buses remains around 90% percent of what it was before the pandemic. A child all day ticket costs £2.30 and and an adult all day ticket £4.50, but depending on how many of you are travelling together, the £8 group ticket might be best value.

Why have you removed the Evening Group ticket? The evening group ticket has been removed as price rises are needed to protect the bus network in the face of rising costs. Costs including fuel, electricity, parts and labour have increased by 25% in the past 3 years while the number of people using buses remains around 90% of what it was before the pandemic. 

Why have you removed off-peak tickets? Off-peak passes have been removed as usage was very low and the price was close to the normal peak tickets. Price rises are needed to protect the bus network in the face of rising costs. Costs including fuel, electricity, parts and labour have increased by 25% in the past 3 years while the number of people using buses remains around 90% of what it was before the pandemic.

Can I still pay £1 before 9.30am with my free concessionary pass? The pre-9.30am ticket is still available for free concessionary pass holders and now costs £1.50.

I pay by Direct Debit, when will my price change? If you pay by Direct Debit you will see the increase in your first payment on or after 3rd July depending on when your normal pay date is. We’ll send all Direct Debit customers an email confirming details prior to the 3rd July.

When will the term, student and child Direct Debit prices be changing? Term prices will be increasing from August and Direct Debit prices will be increasing from September in time for the new academic year.

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Passenger descriptions

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

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West Midlands Bus Users

There are a variety of ticket types and ways to pay, depending on how often you travel and when.

Cash tickets

You can pay the driver as you board the bus. Please ensure you have a selection of coins ready, as not all operators can give change.

You can buy a single ticket if you are making just one journey. Single fares are currently capped at £2.00 for adults ( some services are excluded )

If you are making more than three bus journeys during the course of the day, it will be more cost effective to buy a day ticket. The nBus ticket allows unlimited bus travel on all bus operators’ services all day for £4.50.

Contactless Payment

Contactless payments are available on all buses within the West Midlands area. You can use a contactless bank card, or an NFC-enabled smartphone with a payment app setup, eg mobile banking, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Before tapping your card/device on the reader, tell the driver which ticket you require, then tap when prompted to do so.

If you’re planning on travelling with the same operator, you can of course just tap your card/device without requesting a ticket, to take advantage of ‘Tap And Cap’ fares.

Tap And Cap does not work ‘cross-operator’ yet, you will need to use a Swift Go card instead (see below) or request a paper day ticket.

SWIFT Pay As You Go

The SWIFT Pay As You Go (PAYG) card is a smartcard that acts as an ‘electronic wallet’ that you can use to buy single and day tickets, so you never need to hunt around for the right change again. Top it up with credit, and you can use it to buy bus and tram tickets, as well as pay for parking at some Park And Ride sites. You can also share this card with others.

The SWIFT Go card is a smartcard that works like a contactless bank card, meaning you don’t need to buy a specific ticket, you can just “Tap And Go” on any bus operator’s service within the West Midlands, and you can also use it on trams. You can either top it up with credit, or link it to a bank card, and your fares are capped at 1, 3 or 7 day rates.

Smartphone Apps

NX Bus, Diamond, Arriva and Stagecoach all have their own apps, with which you can buy “M-tickets”, which can be stored on your smartphone and scanned under the QR reader as you board.

If using a purchased M-ticket on another operator’s service, you may need to just show the screen to the driver if the QR code is not scannable.

Season Tickets/Passes

For passengers who use the bus regularly, you can make further savings on the cost of travel by purchasing a seasonal ticket, which is valid for a week, month or even year.

If you regularly make 7 single journeys a week, or are buying at least 3 day tickets a week, a weekly pass will work out cheaper for you, and a monthly pass will save you more.

Season tickets paid for by direct debit will also see a cost saving. The monthly nBus pass costs £55 per month, and allows unlimited bus travel all day on any West Midlands operator’s services for less than £2 a day.*

* £55 per month x 12 months, divided by 364 usable days (no Christmas Day services) = £1.81 a day

Children up to the age of 5 travel free when accompanied by an adult.

Children between the ages of 5 and 15 pay reduced fares.

If you are aged 16 or over, you must pay the full adult fare. Students aged between 16-18 can however buy child-rate tickets with a 16-18 photocard , which can be obtained from the TfWM website.

Ticket Inspection

Please keep your printed ticket as you may be asked to present it to ticket inspectors or other bus operator’s member of staff. If you paid via contactless ‘tap and go’ where no ticket is issued, the inspector will ask to see your payment card number or device ID. You must have a valid ticket or pass in order to travel on buses, and you will be liable to pay a ‘penalty fare’ if you are caught.

Useful Links

• TfWM Ticket Finder
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• Diamond Buses M-Tickets Guide
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• Stagecoach Bus App
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Get an older person's travel pass

You can get a pass for free bus travel anywhere in England when you reach the female State Pension age. It does not matter if you’re a man or a woman.

The pass lets you travel for free during off-peak times:

• between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday
• all day at weekends and on public holidays

If you live in the West Midlands, you can use your pass on the buses from 9.30am until 11.59pm. You can also get free travel on:

• trains in the Blue Zone from 9.30am to 11.59pm
• trams from 9.30am until the last service of the day

If you want to travel before 9.30am, you can get a £1.50 single fare on National Express West Midlands buses. Show your travel pass to the driver and ask for a £1.50 single ticket.

If you often travel before 9.30am, you can get a pre-9.30 add-on ticket. Use our ticket finder to find pre-9.30 add-on tickets .

You can also use your travel pass as a pay as you go card. This means you can use it to pay for:

• travel before 9.30 am

To use your travel pass as a pay-as-you-go card, you need to either:

• register your card online

Check if you're eligible

You can find out if you've reached the age for free bus travel on the GOV.UK website.

You can get a West Midlands older person's travel pass if you live in the West Midlands. You must live at a property where council tax is paid to one of these councils:

• Wolverhampton

If you do not live in the West Midlands, contact your local authority to apply.

Apply for an older person's pass

You can either:

• apply online
• download an application form to print out and send in the post

If you apply through the post, send your application to the address on the form.

Renew your travel pass

We'll write to you 4 to 6 weeks before your pass expires and tell you how to renew it.

If you’ve lost your letter, you can still renew your travel pass online .

You should get your new pass 2 weeks before your current one expires. Contact Customer Services if you have not got it by then.

Customer Services - Ticketing

Telephone: 0345 303 6760

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8am to 6pm Wednesdays, 10am to 6pm Saturdays, 9am to 1pm Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

Update the details on your travel pass

You can update your personal details online if your name or address has changed.

You can update your photo by email or by post. Send your new photo to Ticketing Services.

You'll need to send us:

• a new, passport-style colour photo
• your full name and address
• the 16-digit number on the front of your travel pass

Customer Services - Ticketing Transport for West Midlands 16 Summer Lane Birmingham B19 3SD

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Metro fares to change in 2024

• Published: December 18, 2023

A review of ticket prices on West Midland Metro will see ticket prices changing for the first time since June 2022.

Fares were frozen in 2023 to help Metro customers during the cost-of-living crisis, and the network remains committed to offering affordable travel to the thousands of people who rely on it every day.

From January 2, 2024, fares are set to rise by an average of around five percent, well below the rate of inflation, and our range of value-for-money ticket options will remain in place to help tram users enjoy savings on their regular trips.

Michael Reading-Skilton, Metro’s Head of Commercial, explained: “While other transport operators have significantly increased fares in recent years, we reduced some of ours, and implemented a ‘fares freeze in 2023. This has made a real difference to our customers while boosting the popularity of the tram network.

“As we gear up for further expansion customers will see an increase in service frequency and the number of trams in the fleet. This fare review supports our continued commitment to provide and deliver a reliable and sustainable service that offers one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel in the region.”

From the New Year, an adult Zone 1 day ticket, which covers Birmingham city centre, is set to increase by just 20p to £3.20 before 09:30. In other zones, the cost of a day ticket will rise by just 10p to £3. An ‘all zones’ weekly ticket will cost £25.30, an increase of £1.20 over the 2023 price.

“Our extensive range of multi-day, weekly and monthly passes continue to provide additional flexibility and great savings for regular customers, and the full range of options, together with details of the new prices, can be found on our website,” Michael added.

View some of our popular Metro-only ticket  options below:

* no price change.

A full list of the new fares – including nBus and NXWM combination tickets – can be found here .

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