METROLINK fares have increased by an average of 3.9 per cent from Sunday.

Tickets for single and off-peak return journeys on the network will rise by 10p as will Manchester city centre trips. Most peak return fares and all weekly, monthly and annual season tickets remain unchanged.

Weekly tickets provide between 15 per cent and 20 per cent savings on individual journey tickets and these benefits increase with monthly and annual tickets.

The concessionary fare for travelling by tram will also change to 60p for single journeys and £1.10 for return trips from Sunday..

The changes follow independent research which shows that most passengers make return journeys. The revenue raised will be used directly to improve services.

Geoff Inskip, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) deputy director general, said: "We know that most passengers who travel by tram make return journeys or use season tickets to take advantage of the cost savings. The price of the vast majority of these tickets remains unchanged.

"Metrolink is a very popular form of transport and it remains excellent value for money. I would urge passengers to think about the journeys they make and buy the type of ticket most appropriate. In most cases, this will be a return or a season ticket."

More information on the fare changes is available on information posters which are being displayed at every tram stop, via the website at www.metrolink.co.uk or from Metrolink customer services on 0161-200 2000.