Nearly a third of Melbourne’s myki scanners now old technology

Documents reveal a third of all myki scanners are using outdated technology and will have to be scrapped.

A third of myki scanners used on the public transport network will be scrapped within two years because they rely on outdated technology. 

The state government is looking to replace those scanners, which rely on the 3G ­mobile network which will be shut down in June 2024. 

Tender documents show a supplier is needed to replace the scanners for buses, trams and railway stations.

It comes as Victoria has waited more than three years for mobile myki to come to mobile phones. And commuters still cannot use credit cards for instant travel payment.

Victoria is negotiating bids for a new myki contract, as the current $700m deal with NTT data will end next year.

It is expected that bidders will be expected to show they can deliver upgrades while also running the current system.

Tender documents show a supplier is needed to replace the scanners for buses, trams and railway stations.

In Sydney, passengers have been able to pay for public transport journeys with credit cards, smart phones and even smart watches since 2019.

It is estimated that about 30 per cent of Victoria’s current myki scanners rely on 3G rather than newer networks, and will have to be replaced.

 “We are future-proofing our public transport ticketing system to ensure it meets the needs of Victorians for years to come – and we will continue to explore other ways we can ­improve the travel experience for all Victorians,” a government spokeswoman said.

Public Transport Users ­Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the older myki readers had been plagued by troubles when they were introduced.

“In a way this is a good thing if it means some of the oldest equipment is replaced,” he said. 

“The old myki readers are notorious for reliability problems and slow response times

“Myki is now over a decade old, and while it has had its problems over the years, it is important that it maintains that ­reliability for people to get on their services.”

It is estimated that about 30 per cent of Victoria’s current myki scanners rely on 3G rather than newer networks. Picture: Paul Jeffers

The myki system was originally promised for 2007 but more time was needed to sort out technical problems.

This included a demonstration of the technology in South Yarra where a myki machine fell apart while being used in front of TV news cameras.

Myki was introduced across Melbourne in 2012, when its predecessor, Metcard was shut down.

Mr Bowen said issues with ticket scanning could discourage people from using the network, and he hoped upgrading would be smooth.

“They need to make public transport as easy to use as possible, and that includes as many payment options as possible,” he said.

“That should include paying with a credit card and being able to use an iPhone.”