Back in 2023, we reported on the life-changing news that Melbourne’s Myki system was getting an overhaul, with new readers being introduced across the state that would be able to accept various other payment types (not just those little black and grey cards). Now, we’ve got some bad news to share: Transport Victoria has confirmed that the rollout has been pushed back, with the full upgrade not set to be complete until 2028. Yes, really.
Since announcing the overhaul in 2023, Transport Victoria has been gradually replacing 20,000 Myki readers across the network, with trial readers introduced at select stations earlier this year. While all new readers across the metro Melbourne and V/Line networks are on track to be installed by the end of this year, passengers will need to wait until early 2026 before they can tap on with anything other than a Myki.
According to Transport Victoria, all new readers are expected to be installed by the end of 2025, with contactless payments (initially on the rail network only) due to begin in 2026. The full project is now on track to be complete in 2028 – an 18-month delay from previous predicted timelines.
Myki cards won’t be fully abandoned once the overhaul is complete, and you’ll have the option to pay using another method. Once the project is finished in 2028, Melburnians will be able to tap on across the network using physical or digital wallets, or through the Myki app on Android devices. In the meantime, keep hold of your card.
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