minister for transport unveils future of victoria's public transport

Victorians had a glimpse into the future with the unveiling of the new look public transport ticketing system today.  Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said the smartcard-based ticketing system, which will be rolled out across Victoria next year, will be named myki - pronounced “my key”.  “myki will open the door to a new era in public transport – giving Victorians a world-class ticketing system.  “myki will provide access to a wide range of public transport services across the State. Passengers will simply scan their myki cards across an electronic reader as they get on and off the train, tram or bus,” Mr Batchelor said.  “myki will then calculate the best fare for the journey, and deduct that amount from the money stored on the card.  “It’s a simple, easy way to travel.”

Mr Batchelor said similar smartcard ticketing systems were already in place and working successfully in a number of major global cities, such as Hong Kong, London, Taipei and Singapore.  “Victoria’s myki system is being designed around the needs of public transport customers – it will be their key to travelling around Victoria.  “The smartcards will be the same size as a credit card and made of durable plastic – a perfect fit for your wallet or purse,” he said.  “myki will be flexible and secure – allowing passengers to change their travel plans during the day while still getting the benefits of the best possible fare.”

Mr Batchelor also unveiled a mobile discovery centre that will enable staff of Victoria’s train, tram and bus operators to get first-hand experience of the new system.  “The myki discovery centre contains all the equipment customers will use such as scanners, machines for putting cash onto the cards, and readers for seeing how much value you have left on your myki card.”

Mr Batchelor said public transport staff would be the first to try out the new technology.  “Staff are on the front-line dealing with customers all day - and they will be absolutely vital during the transition period when people are getting used to the new technology.  “We feel it is important to get staff feedback on how it will work in the field.”

Mr Batchelor said the myki discovery centre will make its first public appearance at the Royal Melbourne Show.  “As we get closer to the launch of the new system, the discovery centre will play an important role in customer education,” he said.  “Victorians will see much more of the discovery centre when it hits the road early next year, visiting communities right around the State.”  Mr Batchelor said progress on the development of the supporting software for the ticketing system is tracking well.

The Transport Ticketing Authority, which is developing the smartcard ticketing system in conjunction with contractor Kamco, is on track to commence the roll-out of myki in late 2007, with a pilot planned for next year to thoroughly test the equipment. A program of civil works is set to begin in January 2007 when installation of about 20,000 units of new equipment will begin in trains, trams and buses in suburban Melbourne and major regional towns.

The discovery centre was designed and built in Ballarat by local company Brimarco Industries which specialises in manufacturing purpose-built trailers.  Extensive consultation with disability groups has been an important part of the myki solution design and development, and a hydraulic lift has been installed in the display centre.

For more information on myki contact 131 638 or visit the myki website: www.myki.com.au