Nexus has successfully prosecuted 131 Metro fare dodgers, netting fines and costs totalling almost £17,000. The 131, who all failed to pay the standard £20 penalty fare, were caught as part of a crackdown on fare evasion across Tyneside and Wearside in April.
They have all received fines of up to £500, a criminal record, and will have their names added to the name and shame posters displayed prominently across the Metro system.
Metro Director, Mick Carbro, said: "We are catching up with more and more people who think they can get away with travelling on Metro without a ticket.
"With more ticket inspectors patrolling on our network than ever before there really is nowhere for the cheats to hide, and when we catch up with them they will face a hefty fine and a criminal record."
Nexus has a pro-active anti-fraud strategy with more frequent targeted ticket inspections at stations and on board trains. Ticket inspectors working hours have been increased to turn the screw even further on the cheats.
Nexus is now building on its success with ticket inspections at stations outside the central areas of Newcastle and Sunderland as shorter journeys account for a high percentage of ticketless travel.
Metro employs a private contractor, St James Security, to provide revenue control staff.
Metro’s own Travel Support Officers, who patrol the system into the night, and Northumbria Police officers, also check tickets.
In May 2005 the penalty fare went up from £10 to £20 and Nexus says this has also deterred more people from riding the system without a ticket.
