Remember the days of paper tickets and Metcards? Ahh, good memories. Then came the revolutionary new Myki system. Introduced in Geelong back in 2008, it was fully adopted across Melbourne’s public transport network by the end of 2012.
But fast forward to 2025, and the Myki system is starting to show its age. Some of the current readers are nearing the end of their life, while others can’t be updated to support modern payment options. Yep, Melbourne’s public transport needs a digital refresh to meet the expectations of today’s commuters – and although it's been promised since 2023, we're yet to see any major changes.
And we hate to say it, but look at Sydney where you can hop on a train, tram, ferry or bus using your credit card or mobile phone. While Melburnians do have mobile Myki on Android devices, iPhone users are still left out in the cold.
That’s why, starting in early 2026, the Department of Transport and Planning will begin rolling out new tap-and-go technology across the network. That means you’ll soon be able to pay for your trip with Myki, mobile Myki, bank cards, smartphones and even other smart devices.
The first step? A trial of brand new ticket readers at selected stations across Melbourne, including Upfield, Gowrie, Fawkner, Moreland, Footscray, Glenroy, Southern Cross, South Yarra and Seymour. If you’re passing through one of these, keep an eye out for the sleek new readers.
During the trial, the new readers will still only accept Myki and mobile Myki – no credit or debit card right now. But once the system is fully rolled out across the network, there will soon be more ways to pay for your journey.
Here’s how to use them:
- Tap on with your physical Myki or mobile Myki in your Google Wallet
- Make sure you tap the ‘tap zone’ (not the screen!)
- Tap off as normal at any reader on the network
And don’t worry if you’re loyal to your physical Myki card – it’s not going anywhere. You’ll still be able to use it alongside all the new payment options. This upgrade is all about making travel easier and more flexible for Melburnians. Our fingers are crossed...
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