{{Short description|Public transport ticketing system in Victoria, Australia}} {{About|the ticketing system||}} {{Use Australian English|date=June 2012}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox electronic payment | name = Myki | image = Myki card.png | alt = Physical Myki card | location = Victoria, Australia | launched = 2008 | technology_1 = MIFARE DESFire | technology_3 = | operator = Conduent (current) <br> NTT Data (previous) | manager = Transport Victoria | currency = AUD | maximum_credit = | minimum_credit = | stored_value = Myki money | credit_expiry = 4 years, but balance is transferable with an option to extend | automatic_recharge = Auto top-up | unlimited_use = Myki pass (for 7 days or between 28 and 365 days) | service_1 = 20px Metropolitan trains | service_2 = {{nowrap|20px Metropolitan buses}} | service_3 = 20px Trams ---- | service_4 = 20px Regional trains{{efn|Myki valid for trips between Melbourne and Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon or Seymour}} | service_5 = 20px Regional buses{{efn|Myki valid for trips in Ballarat, Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Epsom, Geelong, Kangaroo Flat, Kilmore East, Moe, Morwell, Seymour, South Geelong, Traralgon, Wallan and Waurn Ponds}} | sales_location_1 = [https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/ Online] | sales_location_2 = Telephone | sales_location_3 = Staffed railway stations and ticket machines | sales_location_4 = Regional trains | sales_location_5 = Retail outlets and newsagents | variant_1 = {{unbulleted list|Adult|Concession|Youth}} | homepage = {{Official website}} | predecessor = Metcard | caption = Physical Myki card }} '''Myki''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|m|aɪ|.|k|iː}} {{respell|MY|kee}}), stylised as '''myki''', is a reloadable credit card-sized contactless smart card ticketing system used for electronic payment of fares on most public transport services in Melbourne and regional Victoria, Australia.<ref name="WhatIsmyki">{{cite web|url=http://www.myki.com.au/About-myki/What-is-myki- |title=What is myki? |website=myki.com.au |access-date=28 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124115558/http://www.myki.com.au/About-myki/What-is-myki- |archive-date=24 January 2012 }}</ref> Myki replaced the Metcard ticketing system and became fully operational at the end of 2012.
The system was developed by Kamco (Keane Australia Micropayment Consortium) and is used by Transport Victoria. The initial 10-year contract was worth approximately A$1.5 billion,<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/nostalgia-validated-as-myki-steams-over-tickets-to-ride-20121227-2bxtc.html | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Nostalgia validated as myki steams over tickets to ride | access-date=2015-06-13 | archive-date=30 January 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130030332/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/nostalgia-validated-as-myki-steams-over-tickets-to-ride-20121227-2bxtc.html | url-status=live }}</ref> described by ''The Age'' as "the [world's] biggest for a smartcard ticketing system".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/outsmarted-victoria-pays-the-price-20100223-p0tw.html | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Outsmarted: Victoria pays the price | access-date=24 February 2010 | archive-date=25 February 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100225040418/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/outsmarted-victoria-pays-the-price-20100223-p0tw.html | url-status=live }}</ref> The Myki contract was extended in July 2016 for a further seven years.
The original Myki agreement with the Victorian government expired in November 2023. On 15 May 2023, the Victorian government announced it had signed a contract with Conduent, an American company, that will take over the Myki system for the next 15 years. The new system was reported to be rolled out by 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McMillan |first1=Ashleigh |last2=Ilanbey |first2=Sumeyya |last3=Hatch |first3=Patrick |title=Myki operator loses contract, new fare system on the way for commuters |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/myki-operator-loses-contract-us-specialist-to-overhaul-ticket-system-20230515-p5d8h0.html |access-date=15 May 2023 |work=The Age |date=15 May 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515092146/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/myki-operator-loses-contract-us-specialist-to-overhaul-ticket-system-20230515-p5d8h0.html }}</ref> In May 2025, the planned upgrade was delayed by 18 months.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/long-awaited-myki-upgrade-delayed-by-another-18-months-20250517-p5m00i.html|title=Long-awaited myki upgrade delayed by another 18 months|last=Hatch|first=Patrick|date=20 May 2025|work=The Age}}</ref>
== History == {{see also|Transport Ticketing Authority|Public Transport Victoria|Metcard}}
=== Trial period === thumb|200px|Myki logo Myki replaced the Metcard ticketing system in metropolitan Melbourne, and various ticketing systems used by buses in some major regional cities. Work on the new public transport ticketing system for Victoria commenced in late 2002.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metcard – The Flinders Street Display |url=http://www.robx1.net/victkt/metcard/html/display.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007030259/http://www.robx1.net/victkt/metcard/html/display.htm |archive-date=7 October 2008 |access-date=18 August 2008 |work=Victorian Public Transport Ticketing |publisher=robx1.net}}</ref> In June 2003, the Transport Ticketing Authority (TTA) was established to procure and manage the new system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Public transport – Transport Ticketing Authority |url=http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/5AE2343E88C6D126CA25725E00142E64?OpenDocument |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726143431/http://www.transport.vic.gov.au/DOI/Internet/transport.nsf/AllDocs/5AE2343E88C6D126CA25725E00142E64?OpenDocument |archive-date=26 July 2008 |access-date=18 August 2008 |publisher=transport.vic.gov.au}} </ref> On 12 July 2005, the Kamco consortium was awarded the $494 million contract to develop the system, with the completion date being 2007. The consortium was made up of Keane Inc, Ascom, ERG, and Giesecke & Devrient Australasia.<ref>{{cite web |date=12 July 2005 |title=SMARTCARD TICKETING TAKES MAJOR STEP FORWARD |url=http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/Web_Notes/newmedia.nsf/798c8b072d117a01ca256c8c0019bb01/f8cef567b8b12e1fca25703e000058a7?OpenDocument |access-date=18 August 2008 |work=Media Release: OFFICE OF THE PREMIER |publisher=dpc.vic.gov.au}}</ref>
A pilot program was due to begin in early 2007,<ref>{{cite web |title=Home – Public Transport Victoria |url=http://www.myki.com.au/default_faq.aspx#q4 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317223324/http://www.myki.com.au/default_faq.aspx#q4 |archive-date=17 March 2007 |access-date=2015-06-13 |publisher=Myki.com.au}}</ref> but was delayed by approximately a year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Australia?s smart card inquiry report released : SecureID News |url=http://www.secureidnews.com/news/2007/11/01/australias-smart-card-inquiry-report-released/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506013610/http://www.secureidnews.com/news/2007/11/01/australias-smart-card-inquiry-report-released/ |archive-date=6 May 2008 |access-date=19 February 2016}}</ref> In February 2008, Public Transport Minister, Lynne Kosky, announced that the full roll-out of the system would not begin until the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news |author=David Rood |date=5 February 2008 |title=Smartcard runs two years late |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/smartcard-runs-two-years-late/2008/02/04/1202090323422.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506034020/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/smartcard-runs-two-years-late/2008/02/04/1202090323422.html |archive-date=6 May 2008 |access-date=18 August 2008 |work=The Age |location=Melbourne}}</ref> By March the same year, the minister said that the system would not be operational until 2010.<ref>{{cite news |date=25 March 2008 |title=Smartcard system may face two-year delay |url=http://news.theage.com.au/national/smartcard-system-may-face-twoyear-delay-20080325-21e9.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616192619/http://news.theage.com.au/national/smartcard-system-may-face-twoyear-delay-20080325-21e9.html |archive-date=16 June 2008 |access-date=18 August 2008 |work=The Age |agency=Australian Associated Press}}</ref> In April 2008, the TTA announced that it had stopped making service payments to the Kamco consortium after April 2007, because the project had not been delivered on schedule.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ferguson |first=John |date=15 April 2008 |title=myki payment withheld |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23540724-2862,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415152235/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23540724-2862,00.html |archive-date=15 April 2008 |access-date=20 April 2008 |work=Herald Sun}}</ref>
The first field trial of the new Myki system was held on the Geelong bus network in late 2007, which identified problems. In August 2008 testing began on the Melbourne suburban train and tram networks.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ashley Gardiner |date=8 August 2008 |title=myki smartcard put to test |url=http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24147118-15306,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080819225355/http://www.australianit.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24147118-15306,00.html |archive-date=19 August 2008 |access-date=18 August 2008 |work=Australian IT |publisher=australianit.news.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Ashley Gardiner |date=18 August 2008 |title=Smart card tests to begin on trams this week |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24196543-2862,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915110857/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24196543-2862,00.html |archive-date=15 September 2008 |access-date=18 August 2008 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=news.com.au}}</ref>
=== Melbourne rollout period === [[File:Myki Metcard Gate Flinders Street.jpg|thumb|right|222px|A Metcard gate at Flinders Street station that had been modified to accept Myki]] The Melbourne roll-out began in July 2007 with the installation of Myki readers.<ref name="myki installation melbourne">{{cite web |date=27 April 2009 |title=MYKI DEVICES BEING INSTALLED IN MELBOURNE |url=http://www.myki.com.au/XStandardWebServices/myki%20devices%20being%20installed%20in%20Melbourne.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015024904/http://www.myki.com.au/XStandardWebServices/myki%20devices%20being%20installed%20in%20Melbourne.pdf |archive-date=15 October 2009 |access-date=18 July 2009 |publisher=Transport Ticketing Authority}}</ref> Myki became valid for travel on all metropolitan train services, but not trams and buses, from 29 December 2009,<ref>{{cite news |author=Clay Lucas |date=29 December 2009 |title=myki rolls out – but only on city trains |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/myki-rolls-out--but-only-on-city-trains-20091228-lhc8.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231004616/http://www.theage.com.au/national/myki-rolls-out--but-only-on-city-trains-20091228-lhc8.html |archive-date=31 December 2009 |access-date=30 December 2009 |work=The Age |location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Wallace |first=Rick |date=31 December 2009 |title=No Apologies For Ticketing Bungle |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/no-apologies-for-ticketing-bungle/story-e6frg6nf-1225815129093 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405050716/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/no-apologies-for-ticketing-bungle/story-e6frg6nf-1225815129093 |archive-date=5 April 2011 |access-date=30 December 2009 |work=The Australian}}</ref> though the system of purchasing cards was still cumbersome. On 25 July 2010, Myki coverage was extended to Melbourne metropolitan bus and tram services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/news/news-promotions/myki-rollout-continues/ |access-date=24 July 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
During 2012, the government progressively shut down the Metcard system: * from the start of 2012, yearly Metcards became unavailable * from 26 March 2012, monthly and weekly Metcards became unavailable * from 30 June 2012, "value" Metcards, such as 10x2 hour, 10xEarly Bird, 5xDaily, 5xWeekend Daily, 5xSeniors Daily, 10xCity Saver, Sunday Saver and Off-Peak Daily became unavailable. Only single-use 2-hour, Daily, City Saver and Seniors Daily Metcards continued to be available.
All Metcard ticket vending machines on railway stations were removed or switched off. The only Metcard vending machines still in operation were on trams. The limited remaining range of Metcards could only be purchased from staff at premium stations, from bus drivers, or from a PTV Hub. The sale of Metcards at Premium (staffed) Metro railway stations was progressively phased out, and ceased entirely during October. The removal of Metcard validators from railway stations started on 12 November 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Metcard validator removal begins |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news/news-promotions/metcard-validator-removal-begins |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206045401/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news/news-promotions/metcard-validator-removal-begins |archive-date=6 December 2012 |access-date=2012-11-13 |publisher=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref> Also from November, passengers with unused Metcards were able to transfer the value onto a Myki card as Myki money at premium Metro railway stations.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 September 2012 |title=Melbourne's public transport readies for the end of Metcard |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news/news-promotions/melbourne-s-public-transport-readies-for-the-end-of-metcard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917230751/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news/news-promotions/melbourne-s-public-transport-readies-for-the-end-of-metcard |archive-date=17 September 2012 |access-date=18 September 2012 |publisher=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref>
On 29 December 2012, Metcard was switched off, and Myki became the only form of ticket valid on Melbourne public transport.<ref>{{cite web |date=2012-12-28 |title=From Saturday 29 December, myki is the only way to go |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news/news-promotions/from-saturday-29-december-myki-is-the-only-way-to-go/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109004952/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/news/news-promotions/from-saturday-29-december-myki-is-the-only-way-to-go |archive-date=9 January 2013 |access-date=2013-01-04 |publisher=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref> On the same day, all Metcard equipment remaining on the system became inoperative.
It was intended that the Skybus Melbourne Airport shuttle bus service (with its own, premium fares) would also accept Myki once the system was fully operational, but this did not happen.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}
=== Regional rollout period === thumb|Original ''Myki'' retail signageOn 12 December 2008, Myki went on sale to the general public on four bus routes in Geelong,<ref>Channel 7 News (12 December 2008 – reporter Andrew Lunn)</ref> and on 2 March 2009 all bus routes in the Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula area were completely switched to Myki.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ashley Gardiner |date=2 March 2009 |title=Geelong's public transport switches to myki smartcard system |url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,27574,25126646-2862,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306102207/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,27574,25126646-2862,00.html |archive-date=6 March 2009 |access-date=28 May 2009 |work=Herald Sun |publisher=news.com.au}}</ref> In April 2009, all bus services in Ballarat, Bendigo and Seymour were converted to Myki.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 March 2009 |title=New ticket system starting next week |url=http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-ticket-system-starting-next-week/1473745.aspx?src=rss |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630012710/http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-ticket-system-starting-next-week/1473745.aspx?src=rss |archive-date=30 June 2009 |access-date=28 May 2009 |work=The Courier |publisher=thecourier.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=13 February 2009 |title=myki shrouded in secrecy |url=http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/myki-shrouded-in-secrecy/1432874.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004185719/http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/myki-shrouded-in-secrecy/1432874.aspx |archive-date=4 October 2011 |access-date=28 May 2009 |work=The Courier |publisher=thecourier.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=5 May 2009 |title=Glitch makes myki a bit dear |url=http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/glitch-makes-myki-a-bit-dear/1503936.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630014142/http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/glitch-makes-myki-a-bit-dear/1503936.aspx |archive-date=30 June 2009 |access-date=28 May 2009 |work=The Advertiser |publisher=bendigoadvertiser.com.au}}</ref> In May 2009, all bus services in the Latrobe Valley towns of Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Warragul were operating with Myki equipment, making it the last regional bus system to be converted.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 May 2009 |title=Media Release : Morwell buses to make smart ticketing move |url=http://www.myki.com.au/XStandardWebServices/Morwell%2520buses%2520to%2520make%2520smart%2520ticketing%2520move.rtf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706110442/http://www.myki.com.au/XStandardWebServices/Morwell%20buses%20to%20make%20smart%20ticketing%20move.rtf |archive-date=6 July 2011 |access-date=28 May 2009 |publisher=myki.com.au}}</ref>
Myki came into use on regional "commuter" (short-haul) rail services in July 2013,<ref name="VLine Pty Ltd">{{cite web |title=myki to start on VLine Commuter Services |url=http://www.vline.com.au/about/news/mediareleases/96766932/Article.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827131931/http://www.vline.com.au/about/news/mediareleases/96766932/Article.aspx |archive-date=27 August 2013 |access-date=2013-08-07 |publisher=VLine Pty Ltd}}</ref> in a staged process: between Melbourne and Seymour on 24 June, on the Traralgon line on 8 July, the Bendigo line on 17 July, the Ballarat line on 24 July, and the Geelong-Marshall line on 29 July.<ref name="VLine Pty Ltd" /> On 10 November 2013, Myki was introduced on Wallan and Kilmore town buses.
On 25 February 2014, paper tickets for passengers on V/Line commuter services were abolished, and passengers were required to use Myki. Paper tickets remain for travel outside the Myki zone, such as to Warrnambool, Bairnsdale, Swan Hill, Shepparton or Albury. Passengers with Myki Pass who want to travel beyond the Myki area can purchase paper "extension tickets" to cover the rest of their journey.<ref>{{cite web |title=Regional fares |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/fares/regional-fares/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218234021/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/fares/regional-fares/ |archive-date=18 February 2017 |access-date=2017-05-15 |publisher=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref>
=== COVID-19 pandemic === {{multiple image | footer = A first generation myki reader on a bus | image1 = myki-fpd.jpg | alt1 = A first generation myki reader on a bus | width1 = 194 | alt2 = A first generation myki reader on a bus (left) and a tram (right) | width2 = 194 }}
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant changes to public transport in Victoria during periods of lockdown. Decreased patronage<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fowler |first1=Michael |date=19 January 2022 |title=Public transport shunned as drivers rent permanent parking, short-term cars |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/public-transport-gets-cold-shoulder-as-drivers-rent-permanent-parking-short-term-cars-20220119-p59pdv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914034942/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/public-transport-gets-cold-shoulder-as-drivers-rent-permanent-parking-short-term-cars-20220119-p59pdv.html |archive-date=14 September 2022 |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=The Age |language=en}}</ref> and public health concerns resulted in some changes being made to myki.thumb|A second generation myki reader at a train stationOn 10 July 2021, the facility to top up on buses was halted and has continued even after the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web |title=Changes to buses |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2020/07/10/changes-to-buses/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914034953/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2020/07/10/changes-to-buses/ |archive-date=14 September 2022 |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref>
Several temporary changes to fares were also introduced. A 30% discount for off-peak travel ran from 31 January to 24 August 2021 (defined as trips made between 9:30am and 4pm or after 7pm on weekdays). The stated aim was to decrease overcrowding on public transport vehicles by encouraging people to travel during less busy times of the day wherever possible.<ref>{{cite web |title=Off peak fare discount on public transport |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2020/12/01/off-peak-fare-discount-on-public-transport/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914034939/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2020/12/01/off-peak-fare-discount-on-public-transport/ |archive-date=14 September 2022 |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref> Vouchers were released for one day of free public transport travel to encourage more people to visit the central city area. In December 2021, 250,000 vouchers were offered for use.<ref>{{cite web |title=Free travel vouchers this festive season |url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/about/transport-news/news-archive/free-travel-vouchers-this-festive-season |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914034936/https://transport.vic.gov.au/about/transport-news/news-archive/free-travel-vouchers-this-festive-season |archive-date=14 September 2022 |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=Department of Transport}}</ref> The facility to 'pause' or receive a refund of myki passes previously purchased was made available for periods of lockdown where most travel was banned.<ref>{{cite web |title=Making a change to your myki due to coronavirus (COVID-19) |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/refunds-compensation-and-replacement-tickets/making-a-change-to-your-myki-due-to-covid-19/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914034947/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/refunds-compensation-and-replacement-tickets/making-a-change-to-your-myki-due-to-covid-19/ |archive-date=14 September 2022 |access-date=14 September 2022 |website=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref>
=== Change of operator === In May 2023, the Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll announced that Conduent, a US ticketing company will take over from NTT Data and operate the Myki ticketing system for 15 years with a A$1.7 billion contract. The changeover will occur on 1 December 2023.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McMillan |first1=Patrick Hatch, Sumeyya Ilanbey, Ashleigh |date=15 May 2023 |title=Myki operator loses contract, new fare system on the way for commuters |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/myki-operator-loses-contract-us-specialist-to-overhaul-ticket-system-20230515-p5d8h0.html |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=The Age |language=en}}</ref> In the 18-month tender process, Conduent was chosen as the preferred operator over NTT Data and Cubic due to the calls to have a change and Cubic's preference of installing their own ticketing machines, rather than utilising the current Vix Technology card readers and other infrastructure.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kolovos |first1=Benita |date=15 May 2023 |title='We will now reach the 21st century': Victoria to overhaul Myki system with new ticket operator |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/15/we-will-now-reach-the-21st-century-victoria-to-overhaul-myki-system-with-new-ticket-operator |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
Several new features will be introduced as mandated in the contract, including enabling payment via credit card and debit card cards, moving the card-based ticketing system to an account-based system and expanding myki to the regional areas that are currently paper-ticketed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sciberras |first1=Allanah |date=15 May 2023 |title=Phone and credit card payments coming for public transport commuters in Victoria |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/myki-news-victorias-public-transport-ticketing-overhaul-to-allow-phone-and-credit-card-payments/55aa8a3c-baf7-43bb-8373-682d875a07de |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=www.9news.com.au |issue=Nine News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720141256/https://www.9news.com.au/national/myki-news-victorias-public-transport-ticketing-overhaul-to-allow-phone-and-credit-card-payments/55aa8a3c-baf7-43bb-8373-682d875a07de |archive-date=20 July 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> Trials with credit and debit cards were conducted from November 2024 on buses in Wangaratta,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-02-20 |title=Victorian public transport users will finally be able to use bank cards to pay for travel |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-21/vic-credit-card-public-transport-myki/104963902 |access-date=2025-07-11 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> prior to the roll out of new readers from May 2025 onwards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Public Transport |title=Wangaratta bus trial |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki-upgrade/wangaratta-bus-trial/ |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Payment types == ===Myki=== A Myki card can be purchased at ticket offices at railway stations, ticket machines at railway stations and major bus and tram interchanges (adult card only), the Transport Victoria Hub at Southern Cross railway station, retailers displaying the Myki sign (including most 7-Eleven outlets) and [https://transport.vic.gov.au online]. The card cannot be purchased onboard trains, trams or buses. The adult card costs $6, the concession card costs $3, and the youth card costs $5.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/buy-a-myki-and-top-up/where-to-buy-and-top-up/|title=Where to buy and top up|last=Victoria|first=Public Transport|website=Public Transport Victoria|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-11|archive-date=11 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111093355/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/buy-a-myki-and-top-up/where-to-buy-and-top-up/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="myki card types">{{cite web |title=Buying your myki |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/buying-your-myki/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215091805/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/buying-your-myki/ |archive-date=15 February 2015 |access-date=15 February 2015}}</ref>
After acquiring a Myki card, the passenger needs to add value onto the card, in a process called "topping up". The value stored on the card is called "Myki money". Top up is available at the same places as card purchase, or "auto top up" can be set up to recharge the card from a linked credit card or bank account automatically when the Myki money balance falls to a set threshold. Top up is also available using the Transport Victoria app with NFC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/about-ptv/digital-tools/mobile-apps/how-to-instantly-top-up-myki-money-on-the-ptv-app/|title=How to instantly top up myki Money on the PTV app|access-date=19 December 2021|archive-date=19 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219045140/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/about-ptv/digital-tools/mobile-apps/how-to-instantly-top-up-myki-money-on-the-ptv-app/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Myki cards were originally issued with a green front, featuring different designs showing a selection of playful symbols on the front, and with different city-related photographs on the back depending on the type of card. After a redesign in late 2014, the cards now have a predominantly grey/black design on the front,<ref>{{cite web |date=17 October 2014 |title=New-look myki card to hit the rails |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/about-ptv/media-centre/media-releases/new-look-myki-card-to-hit-the-rails/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215091843/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/about-ptv/media-centre/media-releases/new-look-myki-card-to-hit-the-rails/ |archive-date=15 February 2015 |access-date=15 February 2015 |publisher=Public Transport Victoria |location=Melbourne, Australia}}</ref> meaning it is no longer possible to visually distinguish between full fare and concession cards.
In May 2025, premier Jacinta Allan announced that a youth Myki card would be introduced as of 1 January 2026, providing free travel on Victorian public transport to people aged under 18 years. The scheme is expected to replace the student pass for school students, which, as of 2025, cost $755 for a yearly pass.<ref name="shepherdguardian">{{cite news |last1=Shepherd |first1=Tory |date=18 May 2025 |title=Victoria announces free public transport for under-18s, as state's debt projected to rise |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/18/victoria-free-public-transport-under-18-children |access-date=18 May 2025 |work=Guardian Australia}}</ref> The ABC reported that over a period of four years, the scheme would cost the Victorian government $318 million.<ref name="chwastaabc">{{cite news |last1=Chwasta |first1=Madi |date=18 May 2025 |title=Victorian children to get free public transport in cost-of-living budget relief |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-18/victorian-children-to-get-free-public-transport-in-budget/105305066 |access-date=18 May 2025 |work=ABC News}}</ref>
=== Myki Explorer === A "Myki Explorer" pack is intended for use by interstate and overseas visitors (or users from outside metropolitan Melbourne). Adult packs cost $16 and concession packs cost $8. The pack includes a Myki card pre-loaded with $10 (full fare) or $5 (concession), which is enough for one day's worth of travel in Zones 1 and 2. The pack also includes vouchers for discounts at major tourist attractions, instructions on how to use the card, and a protective wallet. Users can reclaim any unused balance on their card when they no longer need it, but not the $6 or $3 purchase price.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Greg Thom |date=22 May 2012 |title=Tourists receive myki bonus |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/melbourne-tourists-receive-myki-bonus/story-fn6bfkm6-1226362758319 |access-date=14 June 2012 |work=Herald Sun}}</ref> The pack is sold at locations such as Melbourne Airport, hotel concierge desks, backpacker and bed & breakfast accommodation facilities, tourist information centres, Station Pier, Melbourne, Southern Cross station and other outlets.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Robert Upe |date=22 May 2012 |title=Tourism industry hails myki visitor pack |url=http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/tourism-industry-hails-myki-visitor-pack-20120521-1z1fz.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624222154/http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/tourism-industry-hails-myki-visitor-pack-20120521-1z1fz.html |archive-date=24 June 2012 |access-date=3 July 2012 |work=the Age |location=Melbourne}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=myki Visitor pack |url=http://www.myki.com.au/About-myki/myki-Visitor-Pack/myki-visitor-pack |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621204725/http://www.myki.com.au/About-myki/myki-Visitor-Pack/myki-visitor-pack |archive-date=21 June 2012 |access-date=3 July 2012 |work=myki}}</ref>
=== Mobile Myki === Mobile Myki is a virtual Myki card stored on a smartphone. The virtual card is available in Google Wallet on Android devices, but not available in Apple Wallet on Apple devices. The virtual card works the same way as the physical card; the smartphone is held to a Myki reader to touch on or off. Virtual cards can be registered using the same process as physical cards; they are not automatically linked to the user.
=== Contactless payments === thumb|A third generation myki reader at a train station Contactless payments are expected to be rolled out from early 2026. The system will enable passengers to pay for their journey using a contactless credit or debit card (American Express, MasterCard or Visa), including those stored in a smartphone or smartwatch. Passengers, including school children, will have the option to keep using their physical Myki card.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Public Transport |title=myki upgrade |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki-upgrade/ |access-date=2025-07-20 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Fares == Metropolitan Melbourne is divided into two zones (Zones 1 and 2). Beyond metropolitan Melbourne there are a further fourteen zones (Zones 3–16).<ref>{{cite web |title=Zones |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/fares/zones/regional-myki-zones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025233/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/fares/zones/regional-myki-zones/ |archive-date=8 November 2023 |access-date=17 November 2023 |publisher=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref> There are areas of overlap between some zones (notably Zones 1 and 2) where locations exist within both zones.
The system calculates the cheapest fare for a passenger based on the times and zones travelled. Fares are assessed on the basis of a two-hour fare or a daily fare, which is twice the price of a two-hour fare.<ref>{{cite web |date=29 December 2009 |title=Victoria Announces MYKI Ready For Use on Melbourne Trains |url=http://thegovmonitor.com/civil_society_and_democratic_renewal/public_administration/victoria-announces-myki-ready-for-use-on-melbourne-trains-19969.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102230431/http://thegovmonitor.com/civil_society_and_democratic_renewal/public_administration/victoria-announces-myki-ready-for-use-on-melbourne-trains-19969.html |archive-date=2 January 2010 |access-date=30 December 2009}}</ref> The two-hour fare provides unlimited travel within a two hour period from the first touch on, but if the first touch on is after 6pm, the two-hour fare provides unlimited travel until 3am the next day. The daily fare also provides unlimited travel until 3am the next day.
Myki passes, valid for 7 days or 28–325 days, can be loaded onto a card and provide unlimited travel within a nominated zone or zones for the relevant period. If a 325 day pass is purchased, the days above 325 are free of charge up to 365 days.
Following a 2022 Victorian state election promise, a daily fare cap was introduced where the fare cap applied for any journey in Victoria would be the same as a Zone 1+2 daily fare. This change was made to encourage public transport use and reduce the burden for people living in regional Victoria, as well as boosting regional tourism.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mayers |first1=Laura |date=9 January 2023 |title=Cheaper V/Line fares to start from March 31 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-09/train-v-line-fares-fares-reduced-march-31-regional-vic/101837828 |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> However, there are criticisms due to the lower frequency of services in regional Victoria, where it was unknown whether the demand would be too big for the current system to handle and the unwillingness of the government to increase the service frequency.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lenton-Williams |first1=Georgia |date=30 March 2023 |title=Cap on V/Line fares, but can the formerly 'pricey' services keep up with demand? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-03-31/cheaper-vline-fares-begin-regional-victoria-public-transport/102160090 |access-date=31 May 2023 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>
Ticketing requirements for trains, trams and buses in Melbourne are mainly contained in the ''Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017''<ref>{{Cite Legislation AU|Vic|reg|tamr2017583|Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) (Ticketing) Regulations 2017}}</ref> and the ''Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815054843/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual/ |archive-date=15 August 2020 |access-date=2020-09-05 |website=ptv.vic.gov.au |publisher=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== Operation ==
=== Card availability === A Myki card can be used for travel on: * Melbourne metropolitan train, tram and bus services including SmartBus, but not Skybus services (Metro, Transport Victoria buses, Yarra Trams, etc) * V/Line trains travelling within the V/Line commuter belt (between Southern Cross (Melbourne) and Seymour, Traralgon, Wendouree, Waurn Ponds, and Goornong/Raywood stations) * Regional buses in major towns within the commuter belt (e.g., Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and the Latrobe Valley).<ref>{{cite web |title=myki and VLine |url=http://www.vline.com.au/fares-and-tickets/tickets/myki.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120175648/http://www.vline.com.au/fares-and-tickets/tickets/myki.html |archive-date=20 January 2013 |access-date=4 January 2013 |publisher=V/Line Pty Ltd}}</ref>
=== Card use === To use Myki when travelling, a passenger holds the card against a reader (called "touching on" or "touching off"). Passengers touch on at the start of a trip and (except for a tram trip within Zone 1<ref name="Touching on/off">{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Public Transport |title=Travel with myki |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/travel-with-myki/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331065603/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/travel-with-myki/ |archive-date=31 March 2019 |access-date=21 February 2019 |website=Public Transport Victoria}}</ref>) touch off at the end of the trip, at which point the appropriate fare is assessed and deducted from the stored Myki money value on the card. If the fare for a trip is greater than the stored Myki money balance remaining, the card will show a negative Myki money balance, in which case it cannot be touched on again until it has been topped up to reach a positive amount of money. Passengers do not need to touch on or off for tram trips entirely within the city's "Free Tram Zone", which covers roughly the CBD.
=== Card registration === Myki cards and Mobile Myki can be "registered" with Transport Victoria, enabling cardholders to view their travel history and card expiry date, initiate "auto top up" functionality, or replace lost cards.
=== Card expiry === A Myki card has a limited validity period, but the expiry date is not printed on the card. A physical card expires four years after the date on which it is purchased. Mobile Myki expires after two years. If the card is registered, the holder can see online the date on which the card expires. Transport Victoria also contacts the registered card holder shortly before the expiry date to remind them of the card's imminent expiry. Holders of anonymous cards must use a card vending machine or Myki Check machine to find out when their card will expire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jacks |first=Timna |date=23 January 2019 |title='Ticking time bomb': Caught out with an expired myki |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ticking-time-bomb-caught-out-with-an-expired-myki-20190123-p50t4g.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123170346/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ticking-time-bomb-caught-out-with-an-expired-myki-20190123-p50t4g.html |archive-date=23 January 2019 |access-date=23 January 2019 |website=The Age}}</ref>
A Myki card that has expired or is expiring in the next 60 days can be replaced for free at staffed metropolitan railway stations, Myki-enabled V/Line stations or a Transport Victoria Hub, with any balance from the expired/expiring card being transferred to the new card instantly.<ref>{{cite web |title=Refunds and replacements – Public Transport Victoria |url=http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/refunds-and-replacements/#10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626224025/http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/refunds-and-replacements/#10 |archive-date=26 June 2013 |access-date=2015-06-13 |publisher=Ptv.vic.gov.au}}</ref> Alternatively, users can post their expired/expiring Myki card to Transport Victoria and wait up to 10 working days for a new card to be posted to them. If the expired/expiring card was registered, the replacement card will be automatically registered. Auto top-up will not be transferred to the new Myki and, if desired, needs to be set up again. Users can also request a replacement on the Transport Victoria website or through the call centre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Public Transport |title=Replace a ticket |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/refunds-compensation-and-replacement-tickets/replace-a-ticket/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831113134/https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/refunds-compensation-and-replacement-tickets/replace-a-ticket/ |archive-date=31 August 2020 |access-date=2020-08-31 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}</ref>
A Myki card that has expired within the past 90 days or is expiring in the next 90 days can be extended for an additional two years from the original expiry date by scanning the Myki card at a Myki machine, using the PTV App, at a staffed train station, at a myki retailer or at a PTV hub.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Extend an expiring myki |url=https://transport.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/public-transport-ticketing-help/extend-an-expiring-myki |access-date=2026-02-12 |website=Transport Victoria |language=en}}</ref>
== Infrastructure == thumb|Myki vending machine and ticket reader next to each other at a train station === Myki machines === [[File:Myki machine Burnley (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|A Myki vending machine at Burnley railway station]] thumb|right|An out of service Myki machineMyki machines are used to purchase a new card and top up an existing card.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Victoria |first=Public Transport |title=Buy a myki and top up |url=https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/buy-a-myki-and-top-up/ |access-date=2025-07-20 |website=Public Transport Victoria |language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== Myki readers === Myki readers are used to touch on and touch off each mode of public transport.<ref name=":0" />
== Reception == According to Transport Victoria, in 2019:
* More than 12.8 million myki smart cards were in circulation. * More than one million passengers touched on with a myki. * More than 104,500 passengers were mobile myki users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-17 |title=Public transport Annual Report |url=https://www.vic.gov.au/public-transport-annual-report |access-date=2025-07-20 |website=www.vic.gov.au |language=en-au}}</ref>
== Criticism == The Myki ticketing system has been criticised on a number of grounds: * Necessity: Critics, such as the Public Transport Users Association, questioned why a new ticketing system was needed when Melbourne already had an adequate one. The Metcard validating equipment already had built-in support for a ''contactless ticket'' (the yellow circles on the front of the former Metcard validators, as well as on Ticket Vending Machines.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.robx1.net/victkt/metcard/html/longterm.htm |title=Student Passes, Adult Yearlies and Employee Touchcards |work=The unofficial Metcard Website |publisher=robx1.net |access-date=28 May 2009 |archive-date=13 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913212652/http://www.robx1.net/victkt/metcard/html/longterm.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> * Its total cost of $1.5 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.danielbowen.com/2012/06/20/myki-cost-over-ten-years-has-gone-up-to-1-5-billion/ |title=#Myki cost over ten years has gone up to $1.5 billion |publisher=Danielbowen.com |date=2012-06-20 |access-date=2015-06-13 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031100523/https://www.danielbowen.com/2012/06/20/myki-cost-over-ten-years-has-gone-up-to-1-5-billion/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="theage.com.au">{{cite news | url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/little-relief-for-metro-commuters-20120501-1xxaa.html | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Little relief for Metro commuters | access-date=20 June 2012 | archive-date=25 April 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425010726/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/little-relief-for-metro-commuters-20120501-1xxaa.html | url-status=live }}</ref> * Extended delivery timeframe. The project began in May 2005 with a scheduled delivery date of March 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/ticket-system-now-running-two-years-late/story-0-1111115470539 |title=Myki transport ticket system could now two years late |work=Herald Sun |access-date=2015-06-13 |date=3 February 2008 |archive-date=18 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018155021/https://www.news.com.au/news/ticket-system-now-running-two-years-late/news-story/16870024e4433254bd4183d29116bfc0 |url-status=live }}</ref> Full delivery eventually took until 2013.<ref name="theage.com.au"/><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/ticketing-boss-axed-for-myki-woes/story-e6frgam6-1111115951730 | first=Rick | last=Wallace | title=Ticketing boss axed for myki woes | date=2 April 2008 | work=The Australian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/more-travel-card-trouble/2008/05/25/1211653848657.html | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Travel card faces more costly delays | date=26 May 2008 | first=Jason | last=Dowling | access-date=22 December 2009 | archive-date=29 September 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929151950/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/more-travel-card-trouble/2008/05/25/1211653848657.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=myki|url=http://www.vline.com.au/fares-and-tickets/tickets/myki.html|publisher=V/Line|access-date=2013-01-30|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120175648/http://www.vline.com.au/fares-and-tickets/tickets/myki.html|archive-date=20 January 2013}}</ref> * Lack of a short-term ticket: The decision not to proceed with the planned introduction of short-term tickets in Melbourne, and to abolish them on regional town bus services, meant that Myki is now one of the world's few ticketing systems on which visitors and occasional users cannot buy a short-term ticket.<ref name="short-term">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/tourists-taken-for-a-ride-on-myki-20110712-1hcg2.html |title=Tourists taken for a ride on myki |author=Clay Lucas |work=The Age |date=13 July 2011 |access-date=15 May 2012 |location=Melbourne |archive-date=21 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120521222842/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/tourists-taken-for-a-ride-on-myki-20110712-1hcg2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A total of 50 million short-term tickets, costing $15 million, were pulped.<ref>{{Cite news |url= http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/15m-myki-cards-set-to-be-pulped-20110904-1jsf3.html |title= $15m myki cards set to be pulped |author= Clay Lucas |work= The Age |date= 5 September 2011 |access-date= 15 May 2012 |archive-date= 26 January 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180126093354/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/15m-myki-cards-set-to-be-pulped-20110904-1jsf3.html |url-status= live }}</ref> * The lack of ticket sales or top up facilities on board trams, a facility which was available under previous ticketing systems.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/myki-vending-machines-scrapped-from-trams-20110621-1gdkz.html |title=myki vending machines scrapped from trams |author=Clay Lucas |work=The Age |date=22 June 2011 |access-date=15 May 2012 |location=Melbourne |archive-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816195225/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/myki-vending-machines-scrapped-from-trams-20110621-1gdkz.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, tram passengers must have bought and topped up a myki before they board the vehicle. Options to do this through the retail network are limited, particularly in the outer suburbs and after hours where Myki retailers (except 7-Eleven) have closed while trams can still be running. * Privacy: In 2010 the Opposition expressed concern over the data collection and sharing used by Myki, claiming that the Government was breaching its own Information Privacy Act.<ref name="heraldsun.com.au">{{cite web |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/myki-to-share-our-data/story-e6frf7kx-1225817703820 |title=Myki 'to share our data' |work=Herald Sun |access-date=2015-06-13 |archive-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319074546/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/myki-to-share-our-data/story-e6frf7kx-1225817703820 |url-status=live }}</ref> * Controversies over the tendering process. A staff member of the TTA left a USB flash drive in a room with representatives of one of the bidders. The TTA said this was an accident and that there was no confidential information on the flash drive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20372975-2862,00.html |access-date=9 September 2006 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Also, the company hired by the TTA early in the process to give it technical advice was part of the winning consortium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20370150-1243,00.html |access-date=9 September 2006 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> * Increased dwell times: Tests commissioned by the Government in 2007 suggested longer stationary times for trams compared to the Metcard system as a result of passengers needing to touch on and off when boarding and disembarking. As a result, when Myki was made available on trams in 2009 the requirement to touch off was removed.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/smartcard-not-so-smart-for-tram-times-20090302-8mf9.html |title=Smartcard not so smart for tram times |work=The Age |author=Clay Lucas |date=3 March 2009 |access-date=28 May 2009 |location=Melbourne |archive-date=6 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506081203/http://www.theage.com.au/national/smartcard-not-so-smart-for-tram-times-20090302-8mf9.html |url-status=live }}</ref> * Potential for a higher fare to be charged if a user forgets to touch off: The cost of a trip after which the user has not touched off (deliberately or accidentally) may be higher than the fare the passenger would have paid if they had touched off. * Ticket vending machines receipt issuing: Topping up a Myki using EFTPOS or credit card displays a screen asking the user if they would like a receipt to be printed. If "no" was selected, an EFT transaction record was printed anyway, which contained the credit card user's full name, expiry date and 9 of 16 credit card digits. This was subsequently changed to show only the last four digits of the credit card with the card holder's name no longer printed, and eventually to prevent the printing of receipts when "no" had been selected. * Newsagents initially refused to sell Myki cards because lower commissions were being offered by the government in comparison to Metcard.<ref name="hun-agent">{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23000129-661,00.html|work=Herald Sun|title=Newsagents vow they won't sell it|date=3 January 2008|first=Ellen|last=Whinnett|access-date=3 January 2008|archive-date=4 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080104173038/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23000129-661,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> * Disability Access: Disability groups claimed that several elements of the Myki program would be problematic for users with a disability (particularly people in wheelchairs, or those with cognitive limitations or who lack dexterity) due to the placement of several pieces of equipment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22122633-2862,00.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908124756/http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22122633-2862,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 September 2012 |access-date=27 July 2007 |title=Disabled miffed by ticket plan | Herald Sun }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Reid Sexton |url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-scanners-out-of-reach-of-many-disabled-travellers-20091003-ghbr.html |title=myki scanners on train platforms too high for the disabled to reach |work=The Age |date=3 October 2009 |access-date=2015-06-13 |archive-date=6 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006015955/http://www.theage.com.au/national/new-scanners-out-of-reach-of-many-disabled-travellers-20091003-ghbr.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On low-floor trams, Myki readers have been installed at various heights to cater for this. The Government introduced a free Access Travel Pass for users who are unable to use Myki ticketing equipment as a result of a permanent disability.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/assets/PDFs/Brochures/AccessTravelPassUnderstandingTheATP.pdf |access-date=19 February 2016|title = Your guide to understanding the Access Travel Pass – Department of Transport|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608151803/http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/assets/PDFs/Brochures/AccessTravelPassUnderstandingTheATP.pdf|archive-date=8 June 2011}}</ref> * On 29 December 2009, the reputation of Lynne Kosky, the Public Transport Minister at the time, was put into question when Kosky was unable to recall the phone number for commuters to buy a ticket,<ref>{{cite news | author = Mitchell, Geraldine | title = Kosky trips up on myki troubles | work = Herald Sun | date = 30 December 2009 | page = 5 | url = http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/minister-trips-up-on-myki-smartcard/story-e6frgakx-1225814609829 | access-date =6 January 2010}}</ref> and a computer error resulted in over 1,600 people receiving new Myki cards with their name incorrectly spelled or printed as 'anonymous'.<ref>{{cite news | author = Lucas, Clay | title = myki stumbles over names | work = The Age | date = 6 January 2010 | page = 5 | url = http://www.theage.com.au/national/myki-stumbles-over-names-20100105-lsd2.html | access-date = 6 January 2010 | location = Melbourne | archive-date = 8 January 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100108074945/http://www.theage.com.au/national/myki-stumbles-over-names-20100105-lsd2.html | url-status = live }}</ref> * Rules covering faulty cards: The TTA originally stated that passengers who had a faulty Myki card would need to buy a replacement Myki card if they wanted to travel and seek reimbursement later. This replicated the rule for faulty Metcards.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.theage.com.au/national/outrage-at-tram-inspectors-20091104-hxz4.html | location=Melbourne | work=The Age | title=Outrage at Inspectors Over Passenger Fine | first=Clay | last=Lucas | date=5 November 2009 | access-date=4 November 2009 | archive-date=6 November 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106014110/http://www.theage.com.au/national/outrage-at-tram-inspectors-20091104-hxz4.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Users are now able to go to a staffed railway station to have a faulty Myki replaced on the spot. * Auto top-up failure problem: Originally, when the auto top-up feature of Myki failed due to insufficient funds, the card was blocked and had to be posted to Myki to be reactivated. Now the auto top-up request is removed from the card, and the original top up amount is reversed from the Myki. * On 11 June 2015, a Melbourne commuter found her card showed a negative balance of $2,684,350.00.<ref>{{cite web |author=Tom Cowie |url=http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/what-it-feels-like-to-owe-27-million-on-your-myki-20150612-ghm1mh |title=What it feels like to owe $2.7 million on your myki |work=The Age |date=12 June 2015 |access-date=2015-06-13 |archive-date=13 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613231818/http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/what-it-feels-like-to-owe-27-million-on-your-myki-20150612-ghm1mh |url-status=live }}</ref> * Vandalism: Particularly in the early days of myki, there were widespread reports of damage to Myki equipment, with up to 60% of machines being targeted by vandals.<ref>{{cite web|work=Herald Sun|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/vandals-hit-myki-system/story-e6frf7jo-1225777015754|author=Drill, Stephen|title=Vandals hit myki system|date=20 September 2009|access-date=12 February 2010|archive-date=18 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018155045/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/vandals-hit-myki-system/news-story/245c2f628a659fc1049e8f2b839b41f4?nk=c14e0b1b246b8d0d875bdbb90b0e6738-1571413845|url-status=live}}</ref> Display screens on fare payment devices and card vending machines could be smashed by heavy objects, rendering the displays unusable, or by marker pen, paint or scratching obscuring information.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://img829.imageshack.us/i/image040t.jpg/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721064919/http://img829.imageshack.us/i/image040t.jpg/|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 July 2012|author=dexcore |title=Imageshack — myki Validator Scratched|date=1 September 2010|access-date=1 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://img130.imageshack.us/i/image037tg.jpg/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710101939/http://img130.imageshack.us/i/image037tg.jpg/|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 July 2012|author=dexcore |title=Imageshack — myki Validator Scratched|date=1 September 2010|access-date=1 September 2010}}</ref> In mid-2013 it was reported that Myki machines at some railway stations had been broken into using portable power tools, in order to raid their cash boxes.<ref>{{cite news|last=Harris|first=Amelia|title=Brazen bandits using power tools to steal money from myki machines at train stations across Melbourne|url=http://m.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/brazen-bandits-using-power-tools-to-steal-money-from-myki-machines-at-train-stations-across-melbourne/story-fni0fee2-1226676695621|access-date=2013-07-21|work=Herald Sun|date=2013-07-10|archive-date=18 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018155045/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/brazen-bandits-using-power-tools-to-steal-money-from-myki-machines-at-train-stations-across-melbourne/news-story/0aba5f40d4e4d63a52725c0902053b70?nk=b02080a5c65ee1d4982bc713cdf1fd5f-1571413845|url-status=dead}}</ref> While Myki readers will often still work despite surface vandalism, passengers might not be able to read the information displayed on the reader's screen.
==Notes== {{notelist}}
== See also ==
* Opal – Sydney's public transport ticketing system * ''go'' card – Brisbane's public transport ticketing system * SmartRider – Perth's public transport ticketing system * metroCARD – Adelaide's public transport ticketing system * MyWay+ – Canberra's public transport ticketing system
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *[https://transport.vic.gov.au Transport Victoria] *[https://transport.vic.gov.au/tickets-and-myki/myki Myki] *[https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/footer/legal-and-policies/victorian-fares-and-ticketing-manual/ Victorian Fares and Ticketing Manual]
{{MelbournePublicTransport|state=collapsed}} {{Regional Victoria public transport|state=collapsed}} {{Fare collection systems in Australia}}
Category:Fare collection systems in Australia Category:Public transport in Melbourne Category:Contactless smart cards Category:Companies based in Victoria (state) Category:2008 establishments in Australia Category:Transport companies established in 2008