Passenger Rail, Technology and IT

Yarra Trams trials faster myki readers

E-Class Melbourne tram. Photo: Liam Davies

Faster myki card readers are being trialled on an E-Class tram in Melbourne.

The next-generation card readers have been installed on a single E-Class tram on the Yarra Trams network, with the government looking at ways to improve boarding times during peak periods.

‘Tapping on’ on Melbourne trams is notoriously slower than on comparable smart card networks.

Victorian transport minister Jacinta Allan said the next-generation readers would register tickets instantly.

“The Andrews Labor Government is trialing next-generation myki readers on Melbourne’s biggest, safest and most accessible trams,” Allan said. The E-Class is the current class of Melbourne trams, and is manufactured by Bombardier.

“The new readers are faster and easier to use, allowing people to get on trams quicker, particularly in peak hour.

“If the trail is successful, the new faster readers will be rolled out across the E-Class tram fleet, making our best trams even better.”

The new readers look and operate like those now installed at City Loop train stations, and are designed for passengers to tap their card on the screen, rather than on the section below it.

When a passenger’s ‘tap on’ is successful, the screen flashes green and displays a tick. An unsuccessful tap will result in a red screen and a cross, and an explanation for the failed tap.

See the Vine video below, posted by Melbourne transport advocate Daniel Bowen.