Train, tram and bus users to use Myki on their phone across transport network within weeks
There’s good news on the horizon for commuters — you’ll soon be able to use your mobile to pay for your ride within the coming weeks, making it easier to tap on and off.
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Train, tram and bus passengers statewide will use mobile phones to pay for their ride within weeks.
The hi-tech overhaul — to be rolled out in metropolitan and regional areas — comes amid a radical plan to offer free coffee to entice commuters to earlier services.
It signals the end of the line for the trouble-plagued myki card.
The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal 4000 people will be given the chance to trial the new smartphone technology.
TRAIN AND TRAM TRAVEL TO COST MORE
The pilot — to be complete as soon as March before authorities decide on a mass expansion — will allow travellers to use their devices to “tap and go” on myki fare readers.
They will also be able to top up their myki account instantly — meaning commuters will no longer be caught out with no money.
All myki readers statewide are already equipped to handle the technology and won’t need to be upgraded.
“It’s so exciting to see this cutting-edge technology take the next step — with thousands of passengers getting chance to trial Mobile myki,” Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne said.
The technology push comes as Mastercard floats a plan to offer free coffee and food to commuters who travel outside peak times using a new “mobile myki” account on their phones.
Mastercard said it is in talks with public and private transport operators and businesses across Australia’s east coast.
Spokesman Surin Fernando said Melbourne’s Myki network was ideal for the scheme, which has also been mooted for Sydney and Brisbane.
“We have the ability to provide offers to customers to drive consumer behaviour,” he said.
The myki technology expansion comes after the Sunday Herald Sun last year revealed commuters on Melbourne’s new E-class trams would trial using their phone to pay for fares.
Nearly nine out of 10 people who took part were happy with the experience.
Most of those in the initial trial were transport boffins but now ordinary Victorians will be given the chance to test the technology.
Public Transport Victoria is accepting applications from those interested.
They must have an Android phone.
Authorities are researching ways to make “tap and go” available on rival devices including iPhone.
“This is a great opportunity for passengers to help us shape the next generation of transport ticketing,’’ Ms Horne said.
“We’re building a smarter, more reliable public transport network for Victoria.”
Just this month commuters on Tokyo’s crowded subway were given free noodles and tempura if they caught an earlier train in a bid to reduce peak-hour congestion.
Commuters would be sent a code or voucher on their phone under Mastercard’s proposal.
To apply to be part of the mobile myki program go to ptv.vic.gov.au/mobilemyki.
Originally published as Train, tram and bus users to use Myki on their phone across transport network within weeks
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