The Myki transition from Metcard continues in Victoria with plans for 800 places to buy and top up a smartcard
January 27, 2012
By the end of April, Victoria’s
public transport commuters will have access to 800 retail locations across Melbourne to top up Myki smartcards, as Metcard continues to be phased out.
Transport Ticketing Authority CEO Bernie Carolan says weekly and monthly Metcards would be phased out from March 26, and the gradual removal of Metcard ticket machines from Metro railway stations would be the first significant step in the wind-down of the Metcard system.
“Anyone who currently buys a weekly or monthly Metcard will find that a Myki pass is the best option for them, and that it offers more flexibility in the number of consecutive days that can be topped up,” Carolan says.
To help passengers through the next stages of the rollout of Myki and phased Metcard withdrawal, the Transport Ticketing Authority is seeking up to 130 customer service people.
Carolan says the Skilled Group has been contracted to find, train and manage the on-system helpers.
Carolan says Myki customer service staff would help passengers and public transport operator staff during the transition to Myki and at key stages of the withdrawal of Metcard.
“The Myki customer service staff will be positioned across the network at railway stations and near trams and buses to help passengers choose the type of Myki that is best for them and advise on how to use it,” Carolan says.
“We are looking for a workforce of up to 70 people per shift to demonstrate the new equipment and answer individual customer questions.
“Making the switch to Myki involves a range of changes, so face-to-face education and support is a key element of our transition plan.”
Carolan says that while many people may already have a Myki, around 70 per cent of passengers are yet to make the switch.
“I would encourage passengers who are cautious about taking up the smart card technology to speak to Myki customer service staff when they are on the system from around March,” he says.