Victoria Invests $3.3 Million to Fix Myki Before New System Launch

The Victorian government has committed $3.3 million to upgrade the aging Myki public transport ticketing system to ensure compatibility with 4G technology, as the existing 3G network is set to shut down by the end of October. This expenditure comes as the new $1.7 billion Myki system, which promises enhanced features such as credit card and iPhone payments, faces delays and is not expected to be operational until 2025. The upgrades were deemed necessary to maintain service continuity during the transition. The funding was utilized to retrofit card readers across the rail, tram, and bus networks, allowing them to function with 4G technology. A spokesperson for the Victorian government emphasized the urgency of these upgrades to prevent disruptions in public transport services. The upgrades were completed in October of the previous year, with plans to replace over 23,000 devices progressively in the coming years to facilitate new payment options. Critics, including opposition members, have raised concerns about the allocation of taxpayer funds, suggesting that the money could have been better spent on direct improvements to the transport system. Meanwhile, similar challenges have been reported in New South Wales, where the government invested $20 million to transition its transport services from 3G. In light of the widespread impact of the 3G shutdown, the federal government is currently evaluating whether to extend the deadline, as many non-phone devices remain unprepared for the transition.