Myki ticketing: Tap-and-go technology a touch late for Melbourne’s commuters

VICTORIANS are no closer to knowing when Melbourne’s myki system will be adapted to allow passengers to use contactless technologies to touch on.

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VICTORIANS are no closer to knowing when Melbourne’s myki system will be adapted to allow passengers to use contactless technologies to touch on.

Public Transport Victoria says it is still “investigating” how to modify myki to allow passengers to use credit cards and smart phones to touch on despite other world leading cities already embracing the technology.

Contactless payment systems have been in use in London since June 2015.

They have also been trialled or implemented on parts of the network in other major cities such as New York.

A myki quick top up machine in action at Domain Interchange.

Current myki operator NTT Data is required to work with PTV to investigate new and emerging technologies that can improve the system as part of a new $700m, seven-year agreement, which began last July.

However the delivery and funding of contactless payment systems is not part of its contract to run the myki system and would see taxpayers’ slugged $50 million to allow passengers to use mobile phone and credit cards at turnstiles.

PTV spokesman Jake McLaughlan said it was still “investigating” the ability for passengers to touch on and off with contactless payment systems.

With technology ever changing, PTV says it needs to consider the challenges of rapid obsolescence and ensure any enhancements made don’t make the system less reliable, accessible or equitable.

“Last year we upgraded all myki vending machines to feature contactless payment to make it easier and quicker for passengers to top up their myki,” he said.

“We are investigating additional contactless technology, including the ability for passengers to touch on and off with their credit card or smart phone.”

Public Transport Users Association president Tony Morton said commuters would welcome the move, but didn’t think it would happen any time soon.

“I think PTV have higher priorities just keeping the whole network ticking over,” Dr Morton said.

“It’s fair to say that other cities have had the jump on us on this.

“In London it works really well and you don’t even need to register, you can just walk up to the gate with your credit card and pay the default fare.

“I would welcome it for Melbourne providing it can be implemented in a reasonable time frame and cost but there are question marks over how long it will take.”

PTV says it has delivered significant improvements to the myki ticketing system in recent months including faster myki readers and quick top up machines at some of its busiest stations and stops on the network, including on-board E-Class trams.