A 'pay-as-you-go' contactless system for Metrolink trams will be launched across the entire network within months, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

The 'touch in, touch out' scheme will cover enabled smart phones and watches, as well as contactless debit or credit cards.

Trials ahead of a summer launch on all lines have already been held, with the 'comprehensive testing system' said to have been a success.

The system is designed largely for occasional Metrolink passengers, as discounts for regular commuters are available with the any time travelcards.

Transport for Greater Manchester said passengers would be able to use the current yellow card readers to 'touch in and out' on platforms, with the relevant fares calculated then debited from their bank accounts at a journey's end.

(Image: MEN)

Unlike the London Tube and central rail services, where contactless was introduced in 2014, there are no barriers on Metrolink platforms.

TfGM said fare checks on contactless passengers would be carried out as they currently are for all commuters.

Contactless customers won't get a ticket.

During a ticket inspection, they would be asked to present the device they used at the platform reader - the card, mobile phone or watch.

Hand-held contactless payment readers similar to those on the platforms would be used by staff on board to carry out automated checks on the devices being used for payment.

They would tell an inspector whether that device was valid, and if it had been used to touch-in.

If a passenger hasn't touched in, they would be charged a standard fare of £30 automatically to the card or device presented during a ticket inspection, or risk a standard fare of up to £100, as ticket fare dodgers also currently risk.

TfGM said a 'comprehensive marketing campaign' would run for commuters ahead of the launch to outline exactly how the system would work and remind contactless passengers to always touch in at a smart reader before boarding a tram.

(Image: TfGM)

The financial penalties for fare dodgers would also be made clear, TfGM added.

Passengers however have been warned against using cards through wallets or purses, as having two contactless bank cards inside could result in double payments.

The move follows the introduction earlier this year of the new four zonal Metrolink system, which echoes networks in European cities like Berlin and Paris and was designed to simplify fares.

The 'Get Me There' cards, launched off the back of the phone app in 2017, was the latest step towards having a London-style Oyster card system for use across all public transport in the city region.

No 'live' launch date has been announced, but the system is expected to be up and running in the summer.

A New computer system and software will also be introduced to calculate a passenger's fare then request payment from the account linked to the card or device used.

(Image: TfGM)

Stephen Rhodes, TfGM's customer director, told the M.E.N.: "We've been working hard over recent years to improve how customers can access and pay for travel on Metrolink, but 2019 is set to be a year where we will really put a down a marker.

"Following the launch of the Metrolink zones system in January - which we've had lots of great feedback from our customers about - we've been gearing up for contactless, pay-as-you-go ticketing, which is now set to launch in the coming months, and will give customers a quicker and easier way to pay to travel on Metrolink.

(Image: PA)

"These things combined will make a real difference to our customers, who will be able to use Metrolink as little or often as they like, safe in the knowledge their fare, or fares, will be automatically calculated, up to the daily cap, which means customers can make unlimited journeys across the entire network for just £4.80 if travelling after 9.30am."

TfGM stressed there would be no changes to the pricing structure when contactless is introduced.

Warnings and guidance however has been issued:

Contactless Metrolink fare warnings Always use the same device or card to touch in and out

Take care to only present one contactless bank card - to avoid activating others in wallets or purse

If you're paying for someone who is travelling with you, a different card or device for each person will be required

If a passenger touches in more than once with the same card or device, they would be charged and incomplete journey fare for each touch-in, currently set at the maximum single fare of £4.60

When travelling between two different stops, even if you change trams, it's one single journey. Journeys must be complete within two hours

If a passengers doesn't, or forgets, to touch-out at their destination stop within two hours, they would automatically pay the incomplete journey fare of £4.60

If the smart readers are not working, passengers must buy a ticket

Mr Rhodes said: "We hope this will make Metrolink more attractive to car users as we seek to encourage more people to use public transport part of the work we are doing to ease congestion and improve air quality."