Victoria Trials Contactless Payments on Public Transport

Victoria has launched public trials for a new contactless public transport payment system, marking a significant step towards modernizing the state's ticketing infrastructure. Commuters can now use bank cards, smartphones, or smartwatches directly for fare payment on designated train lines.

The trial officially began on Monday, March 14, 2026, covering 56 train stations on the Craigieburn, Upfield, Ballarat, and Seymour lines, including those in the city loop. This crucial phase aims to assess the technology's performance and build user confidence before a broader network rollout.

This phase is intended to assess the technology's performance and build user confidence ahead of a broader network rollout.

Trial Implementation and Scope

The current trial supports contactless payments exclusively for full adult fares on the specified train lines. Passengers can utilize tap-and-go bank cards, smartphones, or smartwatches. This introduces the payment option for iPhone users for the first time, while Android users previously accessed a similar feature via a digital Myki card.

To facilitate this upgrade, over 3,000 new ticket readers have been installed at more than 280 train stations. These readers and barriers are color-coded, and authorized officers are on hand to assist commuters.

The trial is scheduled to run through March and April. During this period, strict adherence to existing Myki rules is required for travel outside the trial lines.

During this period, commuters traveling beyond the four designated lines or using trams and buses must continue to use their Myki card.

Contactless payments made on the trial lines will not be valid for travel outside these zones, and failing to use a Myki card on other services may result in a fine. Concession cardholders, including seniors and students, are also required to use their Myki cards to receive discounted rates, as the contactless system currently only supports full adult fares.

Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams emphasized the importance of the current phase, stating: "The limited public trial is a critical step to ensure the technology functions smoothly in real-world conditions, enhance travel efficiency, and build confidence before its broader deployment across the network."

Project Background and Development

The introduction of contactless payments is a pivotal component of a $1.7 billion project to overhaul and operate Victoria's ticketing system. The contract for this extensive project was awarded in 2023 to the US-French company Conduent, which assumed control of the Myki ticketing system and is tasked with its operation for 15 years.

The project has faced challenges, including delays and cost increases. A state budget report revealed an increase of $136.7 million for infrastructure, raising the cost from an initial $543.6 million to $680.3 million. The government attributed previous delays in implementing the tap-and-go technology to the extensive infrastructure replacement required statewide.

Prior to the current public trial, controlled laboratory testing was conducted. A previous trial of the new ticket technology also took place on buses in Wangaratta in late 2024 or 2025. In 2023, the government declined a trial of credit card tap-on technology for Myki, a decision that drew criticism despite internal documents suggesting its readiness. Questions were also raised concerning Conduent's international track record with tap-and-go payment systems.

Future Expansion and Account-Based Ticketing

Following the current trial, the contactless payment system is planned to expand to the entire train network in the coming months, with subsequent implementation on buses and trams. The long-term vision includes supporting "account-based ticketing."

The long-term plan includes supporting "account-based ticketing," which will link cards and devices to individual accounts, enabling the application of concessions and the automatic calculation of the lowest possible fare.

Victoria's implementation of contactless payment technology aligns with similar systems in other regions. Sydney introduced tap-and-go technology in 2017, London in 2012, while Perth and Brisbane finalized their networks in late 2025. Adelaide also recently completed its train rollout.