METROLINK bosses have been slammed for 'arrogance' and massive fare increases.

Labour members of Trafford Council have condemned 'inexcusable' increases affecting people travelling between the borough and the city centre.

Cllr Barbara Keeley-Huggett told the borough's policy committee: "Metrolink is an organisation which needs some kind of regulatory body or watchdog.

"This is what happens when you put a rail service in the hands of a private company. They arrogantly increase fares without any consultation."

The committee approved a resolution deploring the size of peak period return fare increases after hearing Trafford commuters were having to pay up to 21 per cent more to travel into the city. Season ticket prices had increased by up to 10 per cent.

Changes to the fare structure to encourage longer distance travel could worsen the overcrowding problem at many stations in Trafford, said assistant chief executive Gary Pickering.

Cllr Dave Quayle said the Metrolink operator had too many powers.

"Some regulation is needed - there has to be somebody who says when the level of profit is not right and the level of overcrowding is unacceptable."

Cllr Pauleen Lane said Metrolink had had two options - expand the service to meet demand or put up charges to reduce demand. It had chosen the latter.

"We have a private company which has an effective monopoly and has no regulation. The underhanded manner in which the increases were brought in at extremely short notice suggests that good will is not very high on their agenda."

Tory finance spokesman Cllr Chris Lynch pointed out Metrolink had been hugely successful. But he would be in favour of a regulatory body.

He added: "Metrolink has been a victim of its own success."

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