The Metro system links Sunderland and Newcastle

The price of a ticket to ride within the area called Zone A will increase from 50 p to a �1.

The changes will take effect from Monday.

But Danny Marshal, head of public transport, said prices needed to be put up to balance the books.

He said there were tickets available which can help people keep their travelling costs down.

Fare dodging

Mr Marshall said: "People don't buy return tickets on the Metro and the return tickets have not had as much increase as the single fare.

"There are lots of ways for people who travel on the Metro to reduce their outlay.

"They can buy either a return ticket, a season ticket or one of the various Metrosavers on offer."

Last year a drop in passenger numbers combined with an increase in fare dodging were blamed for a rise in fares on the system which links Tyneside and Wearside.