Government open to facial recognition ticketing that could replace myki cards
Victorian public transport users are still waiting for iPhones and credit cards to replace the myki, but there’s a new piece of technology popular in China that could be introduced.
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Facial recognition technology could one day be used by commuters to pay for their public transport trips in Victoria.
The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal the state government is open to exploring the futuristic idea that would enable travellers to throw out their myki cards.
The technology — used in several Chinese cities — means cameras at railway station gates would identify commuters as they enter and exit, with online accounts linked to their faces automatically charged for their travel.
“The Department of Transport keeps a close eye on new and emerging technologies being trialled interstate and overseas and is an early adopter of systems that make it easier for Victorians to travel across the state,” a spokesman said.
But the state Opposition wants the government to improve the existing myki system, with Victoria falling behind NSW where commuters can now use their credit and debit cards to touch on.
The government is also still locked in negotiations with Apple to enable new mobile myki technology for commuters with iPhones.
While technical testing is continuing to see how the iPhone works with myki machines, there is no sign of a deal with the tech giant.
Since mobile myki was switched on for Android users in March, more than 160,000 people have ditched their myki cards in favour of the smartphone option.
But there are no immediate plans to let train, tram and bus users touch on directly with their credit and debit cards, despite the option being available across Sydney’s network from last month.
Opposition public transport spokesman David Davis said: “Credit cards are now the biggest touch-on category in London and other jurisdictions yet Daniel Andrews refuses to update our system.”
“It’s obvious the commuters and tourists alike would benefit from the option of using their credit cards, it’s one less card,” Mr Davis said.
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A government spokeswoman said mobile myki was fully integrated with the existing fare system — unlike in New South Wales, where commuters cannot get concession discounts when touching on with a credit card.
Facial recognition technology is being trialled in Chinese cities including tech hub Shenzhen, where people over 60 can register to use their face as a ticket for free subway rides.
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance said earlier this year he was confident facial recognition payments on public transport would happen “in the not too distant future”.
“No more gate barriers, just a smooth journey,” he said.