Penalty charges rise in crackdown on fare dodging

The penalty passengers will have to pay for travelling on a National Express bus without a valid ticket will increase in the West Midlands from £70 to £100.

National Express has warned the changes will come into place across its fleet in the region from 20 April.

Those found without a ticket may also face prosecution and, if found guilty in court, could be fined up to £1,000.

National Express serves Birmingham, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, and Coventry, with some routes extending to surrounding areas in Staffordshire. The company said the penalty increase would bring its fines system in line with other local transport operators.

"Fare evasion is something we take very seriously," said Jacques Le Gall, the transport operator's senior commercial manager.

"While the vast majority of our customers pay their way, there is a small minority of people who think the rules don't apply to them.

"Our passengers feel it is unfair when people use bus services without paying. We hope this significant increase in standard fare charges will act as a better deterrent."

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.