myki cards: Huge shake-up to how Melbourne residents use public transport, trains, trams and buses

Melbourne commuters will be able to pay for their public transport fares with mobile phones, debit or credit cards, the Victorian government has announced. 

Myki cards will be phased out in favour of an online account-based system that lets commuters use their devices like smartphones or cards to pay for train, bus or tram fares.

US-based Conduent Business Services will takeover the system as part of a $1.7billion 15-year contract.

Trials will begin next year and there will be a two-year transition period before the new system is rolled out across the state. The system will still be called myki but will mean commuters won’t have to carry physical cards.

Melbourne commuters will be able to pay for their public transport fares with mobile phone, debit or credit cards, the Victorian government has announced

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‘This is a very important moment for Victoria and public transport,’ Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said on Monday.

‘For the past 16 years we have had a card-based ticketing system under Myki.

‘We will now reach the 21st century with an account-based ticketing (that is) simpler and more easier to use through your credit card, through your smartphone and through your smartwatch.

‘This is a real steep change for Melburnians and indeed Victorians.’

Myki cards lost favour with some commuters who haven’t been able to tap on and off with their bank cards or devices, as is possible in other states and territories.

The myki app is available on Android devices only.