Victoria’s public transport system is on the brink of a significant transformation as the final testing phase for tap-and-go technology begins. Over the coming months, commuters will be able to pay for their travel using credit cards or smartphones, eliminating the need for the traditional myki card. This development marks a major milestone in modernizing the state’s transportation infrastructure.
The introduction of ticketless travel was a key component of the contract awarded to Conduent, a US-French company, when it took over the myki ticketing system in 2023. However, the rollout has been delayed, drawing criticism for “pointless” testing that has left Victoria lagging behind other Australian states in terms of public transport payment systems.
Final Testing Phase and Public Trials
The Victorian government has announced that controlled laboratory testing involving various bank cards and smart devices will commence next month. This will be followed by public trials at select train stations, with a full network rollout expected in the early part of this year. According to a government spokesperson, these trials are crucial for ensuring the system’s reliability before it becomes fully operational.
Victoria’s Public Transport Minister, Gabrielle Williams, emphasized the importance of these trials. “This is a critical next step in rolling out tap-and-go payments, allowing us to test the technology in real-world conditions and make sure the system works smoothly before it’s switched on for passengers,” she stated. “In the coming months, passengers will be able to touch on using a credit or debit card, a smartphone, or a smartwatch — starting on trains, then rolling out across the rest of the network.”
Historical Context and Challenges
The move towards contactless payments in Victoria has been fraught with challenges. A six-month trial in Wangaratta in 2025, which tested ticketless travel on four bus routes, was dismissed as a “gimmick” by industry insiders. “This really isn’t testing anything,” remarked one insider, highlighting that tap-and-go systems are already prevalent in other sectors.
Conduent’s handling of the myki system has also been under scrutiny. The awarding of the contract sparked controversy due to questions about the company’s international track record with tap-and-go payments. Additionally, the government faced criticism in 2023 for rejecting a proposed credit card tap-on technology trial for myki, despite documents revealing that a trial was ready to proceed.
Implications and Future Prospects
The successful implementation of tap-and-go technology will finally bring Victoria in line with other states like New South Wales and Queensland, which have long embraced contactless payment systems. This modernization is expected to enhance the convenience and efficiency of public transport for Victorians.
Close to 3,000 new ticket readers have been installed at over 280 train stations in preparation for the switchover. The government is optimistic that the new system will improve the overall passenger experience and streamline operations across the network.
As Victoria moves forward with this long-awaited upgrade, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition for commuters. The success of the final testing phase will be crucial in determining how quickly and effectively the new system can be fully integrated into the daily lives of public transport users.
With the final trials on the horizon, Victorians can look forward to a more modern and efficient public transport experience, aligning the state with global standards in transit technology.
