Victorians will be able to pay for public transport using bank cards and phones from early next year, as the government rolls out new tap and go technology.
Over the coming months, more than 20,000 new myki readers will be installed across the metropolitan train network and at V/Line stations where myki is currently available – followed by buses and trams.
It comes after the launch of the Wangaratta bus trial in November last year, which enabled passengers to tap and go for the first time in Victoria across four local bus routes. Almost 80 per cent of full fare tickets used contactless payment instead of cash and paper tickets across December and January.
The trial is being carried out to “better understand the technology which will help shape the design of the ticketing rollout across the state”.
Although it is not yet complete – with an end date of May 2025 – it appears the government has already decided to proceed with the new technology.
The new ticketing system will continue to be underpinned by extensive technical testing and will be rolled out in a staged approach, starting with rail, from the beginning of 2026 – allowing full fare passengers more ways to pay for their travel.
As the rollout progresses next year, the Department of Transport and Planning and Conduent will continue work on development, testing and refining new ticketing features like concessions that will be offered once it is certain they meet passenger needs.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said in a statement: “This project crosses every mode of public transport and requires extensive testing, so we will take a careful and considered approach as we roll out tap and go technology.”
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