Victorian commuters can now use a bank card, smartphone or smartwatch to pay for tram travel, as the state government extends tap and go payments across the entire tram network.
The change, which took effect today, allows passengers to use the same payment method across trains and trams, removing the need to switch between devices or cards when changing modes of transport.
The expansion follows the introduction of tap and go payments at every myki-enabled train station in Victoria. According to the Victorian Government, more than 700,000 tap and go transactions have been recorded since the beginning of June, with around 80 per cent made using a smartphone or smartwatch.
The government says the move is aimed at making public transport more convenient for occasional users, visitors and regular commuters who prefer to use digital payment methods. Passengers who wish to continue using a myki card can still do so.
Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said the latest rollout would make journeys across Melbourne’s transport network easier.
“From today, you can step off a train and straight onto a tram using the same phone, watch or bank card,” she said.
Williams said the early uptake of the technology suggests many passengers are embracing digital payments.
“Four in five tap and go trips are already being made with a phone or smartwatch, showing more Victorians are leaving the wallet at home,” she said.
The next stage of the rollout will extend tap and go payments to myki-enabled bus routes from next month.
The expansion comes as the state government continues its temporary half-price public transport fare initiative, which is due to remain in place until the end of the year. The government says the measure is reducing travel costs for regular commuters.
Concession passengers, seniors and travellers under 18 are being advised to continue using concession or Youth myki cards to ensure they receive eligible discounted fares. Passengers travelling on services where myki is not available will still need to use paper tickets or eTickets.
While the government has promoted the changes as making public transport more affordable and convenient, the broader debate over public transport funding remains a point of political contention, with transport policy expected to remain a key issue ahead of the next state election.
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