By AIDAN KNIGHT
A FARE-Y tale for loose change.
The daily grind is getting a high-tech tune-up as ‘Tap and Go’ payment technology officially goes off the rails and hits the road.
Tap-and-go payments are rolling out to the state’s bus network.
The upgrade means more than 2500 myki-enabled buses are being progressively switched on, ensuring commuters can get where they need to go without tickets.
The network rollout is expected to be finished by this Sunday (July 26) and also includes trams.
Gippsland bus routes felt the change this week, with Traralgon and Warragul making the switch last weekend alongside routes in Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour, Geelong, Bacchus Marsh, Sunbury, Berwick, Cranbourne and the Yarra Valley.
Transit authorities are steering away from traditional ticketing, allowing passengers to simply touch their contactless cards or mobile devices to readers when boarding.
While the transition is in full swing, passengers are advised to keep their eyes on the road – or at least on the ticket reader. Look for the Visa or Mastercard logo on the bus reader to confirm if tap-and-go is active for that specific journey.
Commuters are reminded that the tap-and-go protocol is currently limited to full-fare travel, meaning students, youth travellers, and senior/concession card holders should continue using their designated myki to avoid being overcharged at the terminal.
The myki option also continues to remain valid for anyone who prefers it as a payment method.
To get the full low-down on how to tap on, visit: transport.vic.gov.au/tickets-and-myki/contactless-payments
