- Minister for Public Transport
Almost 100,000 Victorian public transport users have used Mobile myki since it was launched just over two months ago by the Andrews Labor Government.
Train, tram and bus passengers have quickly adopted the innovative new ticketing option, with nearly 11,000 people using it within the first 24 hours after it was launched on 28 March. Around 1,000 Mobile myki’s per day have been activated since launch.
The new technology is mostly being used on Melbourne’s train network, with 57.8 per cent of passengers travelling by train, followed by trams, metropolitan buses, regional trains and regional buses.
Touching on and off with a smartphone has been most popular with passengers aged between 25 and 34 who make up over 30 per cent of total users, followed by users aged 35 and 44.
Work continues to make Mobile myki available for more people, with the Victorian Budget 2019/20 providing $1 million to accelerate the development of Mobile myki to other smartphone platforms, including Apple’s iPhone.
This year’s Budget also included $350,000 to deliver 160 free mobile charging ports at Richmond, South Yarra, North Melbourne and the City Loop stations. This will allow passengers to keep their phones charged, ensuring they are always contactable and able to access Mobile myki while on the go.
Mobile myki allows passengers to use their Android smartphones to touch on and off – in the same way they would use a physical card – at existing myki readers across Victoria’s public transport network.
It uses Google Pay on the Android operating system and allows passengers to top up their account anytime, anywhere and in a matter of seconds. They are also able to instantly view their travel history.
The new system interacts with existing myki gates and readers on Melbourne’s trams, at train stations and on myki-enabled buses across Victoria, without the need to build new infrastructure.
More information on Mobile myki is available at www.ptv.vic.gov.au/mobilemyki.
As noted by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
“We’ve seen an incredible response to Mobile myki in just over two months and we’re getting on with the development and technical testing needed to make this technology available for people with other smartphones.”
“Our work doesn’t stop here- we look forward to continuing to make travelling on Victoria’s public transport network easier and more passenger-friendly.”
“Mobile myki is another example of how we are building a modern, smarter and reliable public transport network for all Victorians.”
