Victoria Launches Tap‑and‑Go Train Trial But Only Some Commuters Can Use It

Victorian train passengers will finally be able to ride without a myki card as the state begins its long‑awaited tap‑and‑go trial bringing Melbourne closer to the ticketing systems already used in Sydney, London and Singapore. But there’s a catch: only selected lines and full‑fare passengers can take part.

Commuters on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Ballarat and Seymour lines will be the first to test the new system, which allows travellers to tap on and off using a debit or credit card instead of the long‑criticised plastic myki. The trial is optional and will run until April before a broader rollout begins.

Victoria’s myki system has had a troubled history. Introduced in 2007, it suffered years of delays, technical failures and massive cost blowouts before finally becoming fully operational in 2012, replacing the old Metcard system. Unlike Sydney’s Opal card — which is free to obtain — visitors to Melbourne must still purchase a myki for $6 (or $3 for concessions) and load money onto it.

Major cities around the world have already embraced tap‑and‑go public transport, and Brisbane is currently rolling out similar technology. For now, Victoria’s trial is limited, but it marks the first real step toward modernising a system long criticised for lagging behind the rest of the country.