Trial of faster myki readers on trams may extend to buses if successful in Melbourne
Faster myki readers will soon be operating all new Melbourne trams and possibly on all new buses if a current trial of the technology goes well.
Next-generation myki readers have been installed on just one E-Class tram as part of a trial which could see the faster readers rolled out across all new trams and retrofitted to the newest 30 in the fleet that are currently operating.
More than 40 of these new trams will roll off the production line and into service over the next three years.
Minister for public transport Jacinta Allan says the next-generation readers register cards instantly, enabling people to get on trams quicker thereby speeding up services in peak times.
“If the trial is successful, the new faster readers will be rolled out across the E-Class tram fleet, making our best trams even better.”
“We are investing in the trams, trains, technology and major projects our network needs to get people home safer and sooner, every day.”
The new readers alert passengers who touch on successfully, with the screen flashing green and displaying a tick, or flashes red and displays a cross if they are out of credit.
Contact is made when a myki card is placed on the LDC screen itself when using the new readers, rather than on a touch point below.
E-Class trams can carry more than 200 passengers and all have air conditioning and dedicated spaces for passengers with wheelchairs, scooters or prams.