A significant upgrade to Melbourne’s public transport payment system is set to launch, introducing contactless tap-and-go functionality for select train lines starting Sunday, June 7. While this move promises greater convenience, concerns are being raised about potential increased costs for commuters utilizing myki weekly, monthly, or annual passes.
New Payment Options Emerge
The introduction of tap-and-go payments using bank cards, phones, and smartwatches on public transport has been widely anticipated. Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen welcomed the development, stating, “We have fallen behind other cities, including other cities around Australia, so it’s good that it’s finally arrived.” However, he emphasized the need for clear communication from the state government regarding which services will be included in the initial rollout.
Bowen also highlighted potential teething issues, particularly noting that the tap-and-go system will not initially extend to buses or trams. “Hopefully, it does continue to go smoothly. They [the government] will need to be very clear that it’s not yet valid on trams or buses yet because that has the potential to be quite confusing for people that use trains as well as trams and buses,” he cautioned.
Call for Fare Caps
A key concern raised is the potential for commuters to incur higher costs. Bowen has called for the implementation of a $28.50 weekly tap-and-go fare cap, mirroring the price of a myki weekly pass. He explained that without such a cap, daily travelers using the new system could end up paying more than with a pass, as each fare would be charged individually. “A lot of cities have them now, so it makes sense to make sure that people don’t pay more than they have to,” Bowen stated.
Opposition Criticizes Rollout Pace
Opposition public transport spokesman Matthew Guy criticized the government’s announcement, suggesting that the initiative has been a decade in the making. “Sydney had full tap-on, tap-off payments a decade ago. Melbourne’s still waiting,” Guy commented. He pointed out the limited scope of the current rollout, noting its absence on trams and buses and its partial implementation on the train network.
Government Confident in Technology
Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams expressed confidence in the new system, citing the success of the trial period. “We know Victorians have been waiting for this opportunity to give them more ways to access our public transport network, whether that be from their phone, their watch, their credit cards, and the trial process so far has given us great confidence that we can continue to roll out this technology across our network,” Williams said.
Service Availability and Future Plans
The tap-and-go payment option will be available on the following train lines from Sunday, June 7: Sunbury, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Werribee, Williamstown, Sandringham, Frankston, Stony Point, Bendigo, Gippsland, and Geelong. By June 14, the system will be active on all remaining metropolitan lines, including Mernda, Hurstbridge, Lilydale, Belgrave, Alamein, and Glen Waverley.
Trams and Buses to Follow
Contactless tap-and-go payments are not yet operational on trams or buses. Passengers using these services will need to continue using their myki. Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams indicated that the technology is slated for rollout on trams and buses later this year, with Public Transport Victoria currently upgrading myki readers to facilitate this transition.
Concession Card Holders and Passes
Individuals using concession fares will not be able to utilize the new contactless bank card or smartphone tap-and-go system at this time. An earlier Auditor-General Office report projected that full concession functionality would not be available until mid-2027. The report also indicated that the government had requested the contractor, HCLTech, to pause development on the concession platform.
Furthermore, myki passes (weekly, monthly, or annual) are incompatible with the new tap-and-go system, which exclusively supports myki money. Commuters holding these passes will still require a physical or digital myki card.
Fare Information and Ticketing
Contactless payments will be priced identically to standard, full-fare myki journeys. No surcharge fees will apply for transactions made with Australian bank cards. However, cardholders using international cards may incur foreign transaction fees.
Each traveler must have their own ticket. Therefore, a single bank card or device can only be used to pay for one person’s fare at a time.
Fare Hikes and Cost of Living
The state government has committed to maintaining half-price public transport fares in Victoria until January 1, 2027, as part of measures to alleviate cost-of-living pressures. Until then, the daily fare cap remains at $5.70 for full fares and $2.85 for concessions. While public transport prices typically increase on New Year’s Day, future fare adjustments have not yet been announced.
Authorised officers will be equipped to check tickets through the new system.
