Testing of tap-and-go technology on Victoria’s public transport system is entering its final stage, with the government announcing that users will soon be able to pay for travel without a myki card. The transition to ticketless travel is anticipated to begin in the early part of this year, marking a significant shift in the way Victorians access public transport.
The introduction of this new payment method was part of the contract awarded to Conduent, a US-French company, when it took over the myki system in 2023. Despite initial delays and criticisms, the government is moving forward with controlled laboratory testing, set to begin next month. This will be followed by public trials at select train stations, with a full network rollout expected shortly thereafter.
Background and Delays
The move towards a contactless payment system comes after years of anticipation and setbacks. The contract with Conduent included a stipulation for tap-and-go travel, but the implementation has been slower than expected. Critics have pointed out that Victoria’s public transport payment system has lagged behind other Australian states, such as New South Wales and Queensland, where similar systems are already in place.
Victoria’s Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams emphasized the importance of these final 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.
Implementation and Testing
The upcoming public trials will initially focus on a small number of train stations. Passengers will be able to use credit or debit cards, smartphones, and smartwatches to tap on and off, starting with trains before expanding across the entire network. According to the government, nearly 3,000 new ticket readers have been installed at over 280 train stations in preparation for this transition.
Past attempts to modernize the ticketing system have faced criticism. A six-month trial in Wangaratta in 2025 was dismissed by some industry insiders as a “gimmick,” with one insider noting, “This really isn’t testing anything,” given the widespread use of tap-and-go payment systems in other areas of society.
Controversy and Criticism
The awarding of the contract to Conduent was not without controversy. Questions have been raised about the company’s international track record in delivering tap-and-go payments. Furthermore, the government faced criticism in 2023 for rejecting a credit card tap-on technology trial for myki, despite documents revealing that a trial was ready to commence.
According to sources, the delays and criticisms have put pressure on the government to ensure a successful implementation of the new system. The transition to contactless payments is seen as a necessary step to modernize Victoria’s public transport and align it with global standards.
Looking Ahead
As the final phase of testing begins, the government is optimistic about the benefits of the new system. By allowing passengers to use familiar payment methods, the tap-and-go technology aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for all users.
The successful rollout of this system will not only bring Victoria in line with other Australian states but also serve as a model for future technological advancements in public transport systems worldwide. The next few months will be crucial in determining the success of this long-awaited modernization effort.
As Victoria prepares to embrace this new era of public transport, the focus remains on ensuring a seamless transition and addressing any potential challenges that may arise during the implementation process.