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The state government has embarked on a pilot program introducing contactless payments across four train lines. Commuters can now simply tap on using their credit or debit cards, smartphones, or smartwatches.
This trial is currently exclusive to full-fare passengers traveling on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Ballarat, or Seymour train lines, including services to and from the City Loop.
Those holding concession tickets will have to wait a bit longer to access this technology.
At participating stations, Myki readers will feature special artwork to signify the availability of the tap-and-go option.
It’s important to note that if a passenger changes to a train line not included in the trial, they will still need to use their Myki card for that portion of the journey.
Transport Victoria said it will switch on contactless payments for the entire train network at the end of the trial, which is expected to finish at the end of April.
Tap and go for trams and buses will be rolled out at a later date.
The aim of the trial is to iron out any teething problems as the government slowly makes the full switch to contactless payments and replace the state’s much-maligned Myki system.
Melbourne is among the last major metropolitan hubs in Australia to roll out contactless tap and go payments for public transport.
Buses and metro services in Brisbane began accepting contactless payment in 2024.
A new tap and go system was launched in the ACT in last 2024 too.
Adelaide’s metro, bus and tram network also made tap and go payment available in 2022.
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