Victorians get cash to register public transport passes in bid to boost contact tracing

Commuters can claim a cash bonus for registering their mykis as the state government tries to improve contact tracing efforts. Here’s how it works.

Victorians will be paid to register their public transport passes in an effort to boost the state’s contact tracing capabilities during Covid-19 outbreaks.

The incentive scheme is being rolled out from Monday and the first 60,000 people who sign up will cash in with a $10 boost to their myki ­balance.

The payment will be automatically added to accounts once the eligible cardholders register with the Department of Transport, and is part of a wider campaign across the network to encourage Covid-safe behaviour.

Police will also be out to enforce mask rules, while QR codes are being progressively rolled out across the tram, train and bus network to help health authorities better track passenger movements in the event of another outbreak.

The promotion will allow 60,000 people to claim the $10 bonus. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Experts have warned the best way to get rid of lockdowns during the pandemic is to vaccinate people and follow health rules such as checking in at venues and masking up in confined spaces.

Acting Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said that with school holidays ending and restrictions easing, “we hope to see plenty of people using the public transport network to return to school or the office”.

“Registering your myki is more important now than ever before, so contract tracers can quickly identify and contact passengers if a public transport service or location becomes an exposure site,” Ms Allan said.

“Once passengers register they will also get extra benefits, like protecting their balance and setting up an auto top-up”.

Ms Allan said there was “more cleaning than ever” on public transport to better protect the health of passengers during the pandemic and she encouraged passengers to register their myki, check in using a QR code and “get on board” the initiative.

Department of Transport figures show the number of people using public transport is about 44 per cent of the passenger volume prior to the pandemic.

Half a million people have registered mykis since January but the government wants to significantly enhance the ­ability of contract tracers to get in touch with potentially infected people if a positive Covid case has been on the network.

The government said police and PSOs ensuring masks were being worn would also crack down on any anti-social or criminal behaviour to ensure the travelling public “feels safe on trains, trams and buses”.

The $10 bonus is available until August 8 or until 60,000 people register cards for the first time. To register, go to the PTV app or a PTV hub, call 1800 800 007 or visit ptv.vic.gov.au/myki.

[e-mail]