The Victorian government is seeking to make major changes to the myki system as it opens expressions of interest applications for the system's management.
The Victorian government’s contract with NTT Data to manage the myki public transport ticketing system expires in 2023, so the government is floating a few modifications that could make the system easier to use.
The headline change for most people will be the government’s aim to include credit card tap on and tap off, alongside additional smartphone payment options – e.g. iPhone support – and account-based options for passengers.
What you need to know
- Victorians may soon be able to touch on and off using a credit card, rather than myki
- The government is also seeking to add iPhone mobile myki support among other changes
- The modifications are being floated as part of a potential change of myki operator contracts
Stay up to date with what’s happening in Melbourne here.
These changes would likely begin the end of the myki card altogether, with Android users able to forego the myki card for their inbuilt phone NFC chips for years already.
Apple has so far seemingly prevented the state government and NTT Data from offering the technology through their phones, as Apple Pay use a proprietary payments system that demands increased control over the process.
The opening of the expression of interest process for the continued operation and upgrade of the myki public transport ticketing system will make enabling iPhone users to touch on and off, as they do in Japan, a top priority.
The expression of interest and tender process will run over the course of two years, and a successful operator will commence when the current contract expires.
The state government say that priority for public transport ticketing is to ensure users can safety and seamlessly access, use and pay for public transport.
The Department of Transport has reportedly looked at the current system, the experience of other major cities, and changes in technology and mobility trends, saying the key consideration for the transfer to a new contract has been to minimises any impacts to passengers.
“We are always looking at ways to make our public transport network more accessible – and public transport ticketing plays a big part in that,” public transport minister Ben Carroll said.
“We have looked at the experience of other major cities around the world as we continue to upgrade the Myki system and deliver the best outcome for passengers.”
To keep track of changes to the myki system, head to the PTV website here.
