Plans by Nottingham’s tram operator to increase fines for fare-dodging have been met with a mixed reaction from passengers.
Nottingham Express Transit could also use AI technology to reduce vandalism, the boss of its parent company told a meeting this week.
The proposals for fines would see penalties for travelling without a ticket rise from £70 to £120.
It comes after tram fares were raised in late November, with an adult single ticket increasing by 10p to £3.50.
Nottingham Trent University tram stop
“I think introducing AI policing is a waste of money”
Jensen hart, tram user
Nottingham student Mollie Kirk says rising costs are already discouraging people from using the tram.
“As a student, the increase in tram fares really puts me off using it,” she said.
“It’s already expensive, even though it’s very convenient, so I try not to use it unless I really have to.”
Kirk believes higher fares and harsher penalties could push more people towards fare evasion.
“If prices keep going up, more people are going to risk travelling without paying,” she added.
Concerns have also been raised about proposals to introduce AI-based policing systems on the network.
Tim Hesketh, the chief executive officer of Tramlink, the company in charge of the network, told a meeting on Tuesday that the new AI tool will be trialled to put a stop to anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.
It works by using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor CCTV images, and alerts real-life operatives if it thinks an incident is taking place.
Mr Hesketh said it could mean more of the hundreds of CCTV cameras on the network are monitored more effectively.
Jensen Hart, frequent tram user
But tram user Jensen Hart described the idea as unnecessary and potentially harmful.
“I think introducing AI policing is a waste of money,” he said, “It’s more AI being used in a way that doesn’t help the environment and doesn’t benefit people.”
Hart argues that enforcement should rely on human judgement rather than technology.
“Human policing is important because it creates jobs and allows for understanding and discretion,” he said.
“Replacing that with AI takes away accessible employment and removes the human reasoning that’s often needed in these kinds of situations.”
Both Kirk and Hart also expressed concerns about accessibility.
Kirk said higher fares and penalty charges would disproportionately affect students and those on tight budgets.
“Some people genuinely rely on the tram to get around.
“Making it more expensive just isn’t fair, especially for students.”
NET tram ticket machineHart added that repeated price increases could lead to rising tensions between passengers and tram officers.
“The more prices go up, the more frustration there will be,” he said, “that could result in more hostility towards staff, which isn’t good for anyone.”
Mr Hesketh told Tuesday’s meeting of a committee which monitors tram performance that the company would need permission from Government to increase the penalty fares – and it had already submitted a request.
