Melbourne Embraces Tap-and-Go Public Transport

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is Sydney News Today. Melbourne is catching up with the rest of Australia on public transport payments. Starting Monday, suburban rail commuters on the Craigie Burn, Upfield, Ballarat, and Seymour Lines can test TAP and Go with credit or debit cards, smartphones, or smartwatches. This skips the old Mikey card for the first time. The trial runs through March and April, covering stations including the City Loop, but his limited passengers switching to trams or buses outside these lines still need a Mikey, or they risk a fine. Only full adult fares work, so seniors, students, and concession holders must use their cards for discounts. Locals and visitors have long griped about Melbourne's outdated ticketing, especially with its huge tram network. Meanwhile, Sydney kicked off contact with payments back in 2017. Perth and Brisbane wrapped up theirs late last year, and Adelaide finished trains just last month. To smooth the switch, color-coded readers and barriers guide users on trial lines, with

1:03officers on hand to help. Victoria's transport minister says this will make travel quicker before a full rollout. This marks a big step in the government's $1.7 billion ticketing upgrade. Promised in 2023, delays came from swapping out gear at nearly 3,000 spots across 280 stations, handled by a global firm. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor, Lincoln the Description. No need to switch positions. The sound is already where your head is. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com