Sad, sorry state of affairs this. All I can say is... be glad you aren't making a commute like Hebden Bridge - Milnrow. Previously that would have had a normal season at a typical price, now though the fare is priced as though that you will travel all the way into Manchester and then all the way back out again on Metrolink! That last leg incurs a hefty 'add-on' - but its made worse by the fact that there is no allowance made for changing at Rochdale.
You are lucky that the ticket is routed 'ALTRINCHAM MTLK' (i.e. isn't valid for nor priced according to travel via the City Centre) - I guess the need to preserve historical through journeys on your line is better appreciated than on the Caldervale line/Oldham Loop (unless my sums are wrong/situation has changed).
I appreciate that saying to you 'be glad with what you have' is not what you want to hear, but unfortunately, TfGM are not interested at all in anyone using Metrolink who starts their journey outside of the
TfGM area.
I fully expect TfGM (Metrolink) and Northern to simply blame the other for the fare rise. I'm pretty sure Metrolink's fare rises are locked in at RPI+1%... Since this clearly breeches what's being advertised perhaps you could work out the proportional cost by journey miles (assuming you change at Altrincham) and submit a complaint to Passenger Focus or your MP about it? I wouldn't expect to get anywhere though since you are being charged TfGM's impression of 'fairly' for your use of Metrolink services.
It's difficult to say in which part the extortion is coming from - either crossing the rail boundary of TfGM or adding Metrolink validity. You are simply unfortunate that you suffer from both of these for reasons for a disproportionate price hike.
My old commute (NR - Metrolink) went up by 4% ish three years in a row
The only thing I can think of which might save you money is a Hale - Metrolink Zone G season... for £16.20 a month. There's a small-ish car park at Hale.
Or perhaps a Knutsford - Navigation Road season for £26.80 a week. Again I appreciate possibly no good due to your journey.
The moral of the story is that Metrolink is a rip off. National Rail to Metrolink is even more of a rip off and National Rail from outside the TfGM rip off is scandalous. Integrated public transport? Pah!
