Criticised for scrapping paper tickets leaving lack of transport access for out-of-towners, Melbourne’s Myki will bundle with visitor packs
May 22, 2012
The Victorian Government’s decision to scrap paper tickets on its public transport network, leaving no access to buses, trams and trains for visitors and occasional users has been countered with a plan to roll the Myki smartcard into visitor packs.
The packs which include a top-up Myki card, tourist discount vouchers and map inside a wallet designed by cartoonist Mark Knight, will be available from July 1 at 300 locations, including hotel concierge desks, tourist information centres, airports and tour providers.
Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder says the visitors pack contains a Myki card with stored value to cover one-day’s travel in Zone 1, which includes Melbourne’s tram network.
“Simple top up instructions will be included for visitors staying longer and using public transport into Zone 2,” Mulder says.
A full fare Myki Visitor Pack costs $14 and includes $8 Myki money, while a concession Myki Visitor Pack – general concession, child and seniors – costs $7 and includes $4 Myki money.
Transport Ticketing Authority Chief Executive Officer Bernie Carolan says the Myki Visitor Pack met the public transport and entertainment needs of visitors to Victoria.
“In developing the Myki Visitor Pack we needed to ensure it provided easy and instant access to public transport for visitors and was readily available from places where visitors would commonly go for information,” Carolan says.
“This is the first time the public transport and tourism industries have come together to provide visitors with access to a product that combines travel, tourist information and entertainment offers, all in one.”