Victoria’s Myki PT System Could Finally Get an Upgrade

After almost five years of confusion, clunkiness and frustration, Melbournians may finally be able to commute without dealing with them struggle feels.

Let me preface this by pointing out that I use my Myki every morning and every afternoon yet still don’t have any idea how it works. Am I supposed to touch off the tram? Why can’t I top up on board? Why does it take 24 fucking hours to transfer money to the card and why doesn’t the website work on mobile phones – it’s the year 2015!? WHO’S IDEA WAS THIS STUPID SYSTEM?!

It’s been revealed that as of 2017 when a new contract run begins for Myki, there will be calls to update the significantly overpriced and unscalable system and allow commuters to use technology such as Google Wallet and Apple Pay to touch on and off using their phones.

In an interview with 3AW, tech expert Trevor Long explained how the new system could be used by adopting similar functions to airline and movie tickets used on smartphones.

For the time being, the Victorian state government is remaining tight-lipped on who will take over the contract, however the people behind London’s Oyster Card, Cubic Corporation have been tipped to take it on. Here’s to hoping that this five year nightmare might come to an end.

Image sourced via ABC with credit to Sam Churchill (Flickr)