Fares on the Tyne and Wear Metro systems are set to increase in the New Year.

The minimum single fare will stay at 50p, but the proposals mean big increases for longer Metro journeys.

The cost of travelling between the four zones on Tyneside and Wearside will be most marked, with fares rounded up by 11% to �1, �1.50 and �2.

In a statement, Nexus says the increases are necessary to balance the books for next year.

Fare dodgers

The disappointing passenger numbers on the �100m Sunderland Metro extension have been a factor, although Nexus reports there are now good signs of recovery.

The annual fare increases will be put before the Passenger Transport Authority next week. If approved, they will come into effect from the New Year.

Earlier this month, Nexus denied it was heading for a �9m budget deficit.

Fears were raised over the financial state of Nexus after a briefing by director-general Mike Parker to a pensioners' meeting when he explained why fares were going up.

The transport group, which also runs the Shields Ferry and subsidises a number of bus routes and the Newcastle to Sunderland rail line, legally cannot be made bankrupt.

But Mr Parker said he is convinced he can put forward a balanced budget to the passenger transport authority in January.

Mr Parker said a drop in Metro users over the past three years, along with increased fare dodging, meant income had dropped.