Earlier this year Public Transport Victoria put out the call for beta testers to trial the use of Android phones to tap on and off instead of a Myki card. After a lot of positive results they are ready to take the system public from this Thursday.
From this Thursday all Android users with phones running a version of Android greater than 5.0 will see the option to add a transit or travel card to their Google Pay account.
Selecting the transit card option will allow users to then buy a Myki or top up their current Myki already purchased online. There is a minimum payment of $10 but there is not a fee to create a virtual Myki card like there is for buying one.
At this stage there is no option to add a physical card to the app but hopefully that will change in the future – especially for teenagers and users who purchase yearly passes. To use Google Pay though PTV state you need to be over the age of 16.
With the new mobile Myki you will be able to:
- Top up on the go
- Touch on and off with your phone
- Know your balance in real time
- View your travel history
The system will be available from Thursday on trams, trains and buses. All you have to do is add a virtual Myki to your account before you travel – it can take up to 90 minutes for money to be added to your Myki account – unlock your phone when you get near the terminal and “tap on” to the tram/train/bus. Tap your phone as you exit the transport as well to avoid extra costs.
If you catch public transport why not give it a go on Thursday, or whenever you purchase a new Myki. Let us know how you go.
