Melbourne to start Myki-free payments on four train lines

Melbourne is finally poised to join other Australian cities in the tap-and-go era, with the state government confirming public trials for contactless credit and debit card payments will launch for suburban rail commuters on Monday. Commuters on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Ballarat and Seymour lines will be the first to test the technology, allowing them to bypass the physical Myki card in favour of paying via a debit or credit card, smartphone or smartwatch.

The trial, running through March and April, will be limited to those four lines, including stations in the city loop. Passengers transferring to trams or buses outside these zones would still need a Myki card — failing to use one outside the trial area would result in a fine.

The technology would only support full adult fares, so seniors, students and healthcare card holders must also stick to their Myki cards if they wish to still receive their discounted rates.

Australia, Melbourne

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