The Victorian Government is expanding its tap-and-go ticketing system across the state’s rail network this June, allowing passengers to pay with contactless payment for train travel using a bank card, smartphone or smartwatch instead of a myki card.
The technology has been trialled since March on selected train lines and City Loop stations, with more than 88,500 journeys already taken using the system. According to trial data, around four in five passengers chose to tap on with a phone or smartwatch.
When is tap-and-go rolling out?
The rollout will happen in stages across Victoria’s train network. From Sunday, 7th June, tap-and-go payments will become available on the Sunbury, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Werribee, Williamstown, Sandringham, Frankston and Stony Point lines, as well as the Metro Tunnel network.
Regional services on the Bendigo, Gippsland and Geelong lines will also be included.
A second stage will follow on 14th June, bringing the technology to the Mernda, Hurstbridge, Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein and Glen Waverley lines. Once the rollout is complete, passengers will be able to use contactless payment methods at every myki-enabled train station across Victoria.
What does it mean for passengers?
The new system allows commuters to tap on and travel using a debit or credit card, smartphone or smartwatch, removing the need to carry a separate myki card for many journeys.
Passengers who already use myki can continue to do so, while concession travellers, seniors and passengers under 18 should keep using their concession or Youth myki cards. Travellers heading to destinations where myki is not available will still need to use paper tickets or eTickets.
Station staff will be available to assist passengers as the rollout continues.
More changes could be on the way
The expansion comes alongside the state’s temporary half-price public transport fares initiative, which is currently in place until the end of the year.
The Victorian Government has also indicated that the next phase of the rollout will focus on Melbourne’s tram and bus network, with further details expected in the coming weeks.
For more information about the new system, visit the Victorian public transport website.
