It seems Victoria's public transport payment system is finally ready to join the 21st century, after years of frustrated residents demanding that we ditch those pesky Myki cards for good. It's just been revealed that from next year, we'll be able to tap on a train, bus or tram with a bank card – catching up to many other major cities around the world. It's about bloody time.
When the news of a trial kicking off for the new payment system came out late last year, we allowed ourselves to dream. But now, it seems our dreams really are coming true, as the Victorian government has announced that bank card tap ons will be rolled out across Victoria's public transport from the beginning of 2026.
The new contactless payment system will allow passengers to tap on with a credit or debit card, as well as with Apple Pay on phones and smart watches. First, 20,000 new card readers will be installed across our state's train network, including metro and V/Line trains. Then, it will be extended to trams and buses. Initially, it'll only be useable for full fare passengers.
It was first announced that the system would be getting an overhaul back in May 2023, as part of a plan to eventually phase out physical Myki cards. This was finally put into practice with a trial beginning in November 2024.
While the trial was very small in scale (on four bus lines in the regional town of Wangaratta), it's reportedly been a great success! It will continue until May, but word is that the brand-new readers have worked well so far, which is why they've now been green-lit for a gradual roll out across the state.
The new readers will also still be compatible with Myki cards, so that travel isn't disrupted and passengers can still use the old payment method if they want to during the transition period.
We'll be keeping a close eye on the progress of the new system, so watch this space for more details as they come.
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