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- MYKI VALID FOR TRAVEL ON MELBOURNE TRAINS FROM TODAY
- Christmas Day and New Years’
- Young Achiever of the Year 2009
- Aitken Boulevard Openning
MYKI VALID FOR TRAVEL ON MELBOURNE TRAINS FROM TODAY
Media contact: Stephen Moynihan 9651 5799 or 0419 112 711 www.premier.vic.gov.auMedia release
From the Minister for Public Transport
Tuesday, 29 December, 2009
MYKI VALID FOR TRAVEL ON MELBOURNE TRAINS FROM TODAY
Victoria’s new public transport ticketing system, myki, is now valid for travel on the metropolitan
Melbourne train network, Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky announced today.
From later today, Melburnians will have the chance to be among the first to get a myki by
registering online for a free reusable smartcard.
“This is an important first step in a carefully planned rollout of myki in Melbourne,” Ms Kosky
said.
“The system has undergone rigorous testing for the past two months across Melbourne’s public
transport network.
“I have received advice from the Transport Ticketing Authority board that test data shows that
myki is consistently reliable across Melbourne’s train network and they have therefore
recommended the commencement of myki on the metropolitan rail network.
“From today, myki money or myki pass will be valid for travel on all train services operated by
Metro, and all V/Line services in Zones 1+2, including Melton and Sunbury
“From 3pm today, people can go online at myki.com.au, open an account and register for a free
myki.
“They can begin using their myki on the metropolitan train network as soon as they receive it and
top up with money, a travel pass or both.
“Today Melburnians who catch the train will have the choice to use a myki or remain with
Metcard until the roll out is complete.
“A mail out of myki cards to seniors who have registered for the free Sunday travel pass will start
today and continue over the coming weeks.
“I have not yet received advice that all features of the tram and bus fleet have the required level
of consistent reliability – so we will keep the public informed as to exactly when myki is ready to
use on these parts of the network.”
Ms Kosky said it would take about six months or more to fully introduce myki in Victoria, with the
Metcard system continuing to operate during this period.
“I’m confident that, once people are familiar with myki, they are going to love the ease and
convenience it brings to ticketing,” Ms Kosky said.
“In fact, many people will automatically save money when they top up, touch on and touch off, as
myki calculates the best daily fare for each user.
“With the myki and Metcard systems running together during the transition period, we can expect
some operational challenges, and people deserve some time to get used to the change.
Media contact: Stephen Moynihan 9651 5799 or 0419 112 711 www.premier.vic.gov.au
“We’ll be listening closely to myki users about their experience, and the operator is on notice to
be ready to respond if issues arise.”
In keeping with the gradual rollout of myki annual pass holders will be advised by mail when they
can make the switch to myki.
The myki system has been developed by Kamco under a public tender and contract agreement.
Project funding of up to $1.35 billion includes system design and delivery payments, future costs
of operating the myki system for the next 10 years, and funding to maintain the Metcard system
equipment through a staged roll out in 2010.
A public information campaign will begin shortly as the staged roll out of myki continues.
Further information about myki is available at www.myki.com.au
Christmas Day and New Years’
2009:10Christmas Day and New Years’
Eve free travel
The Minister for Public Transport has announced the
following information on free travel on Christmas Day
and New Years’ Eve.
Christmas Day – Friday 25 December 2009
Travel on all metropolitan train, tram and bus services will be free from the first service
to the last service on Friday 25 December 2009. Metropolitan customers who
accidentally purchase or validate tickets will not have fares refunded.
Travel on all V/Line train and coach services within Victoria will be free from the first to
last service on Friday 25 December 2009. Seat reservations will still be required on
many long-distance V/Line train and coach services. V/Line customers who
accidentally purchase tickets are entitled to a refund.
Travel on all regional city town bus services in Victoria will be free from the first service
to the last service on Friday 25 December 2009. Regional town bus customers who
accidentally purchase or validate tickets will not have fares refunded.
New Years’ Eve – Thursday 31 December 2009
Travel on all metropolitan train, tram and bus services will be free from 6pm on
Thursday 31 December 2009 (including Nightrider and late night train and tram
services) up to the first timetabled service on Friday 1 January 2010. Metropolitan
customers who accidentally purchase or validate tickets will not have fares refunded.
Free V/Line train and coach travel is only available within Victoria on services arrving in
Melbourne after 6pm and all train and coach services departing after 6pm (including
departures from Melbourne) on Thursday 31 December 2009. In addition, travel will
also be free on the first timetabled V/Line train and coach services departing
Melbourne on Friday 1 January 2010. Seat reservations will still be required on many
long-distance V/Line train and coach services. V/Line customers who accidentally
purchase tickets are entitled to a refund.
Travel on all regional city town bus services in Victoria will be free from 6pm on
Thursday 31 December 2009 to the first timetabled service on Friday 1 January 2010.
Regional town bus customers who accidentally purchase or validate tickets will not
have fares refunded.
Young Achiever of the Year 2009
Robert Wright from Broadmeadows Bus/Moreland Bus Group was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the bus and coach sector at the 2009 Victorian Industry Awards held on Monday night in Melbourne.The awards were staged as part of BusVics 55th Maintenance Conference and Bus Expo, which attracted an estimated 1,500 through the turnstiles.
Robert was singled as the Young achiever of the year for his enthusiasm and contribution to a growing public transport service in particular the northern region.
Other award winners were:
•Bus Safety: Ivanhoe Bus Lines.
•Environmental Innovation: Pulfran Transit-US Bus Lines.
•Outstanding Contribution: Darryl Driver of Driver Group.
•Apprentice of the Year: Nathan Pinini of Rockleigh Tours, Diggers Rest.
Aitken Boulevard Openning
Broadmeadows Bus Owners (Peter Wright and Michael Loughnan ) and Local Member Liz Beattie at openning of Aitken Boulevard.Aitken Boulevard will act as a vital link between new communities in Craigieburn, such as Stockland’s Highlands community, providing easy access to schools, Highgate Recreation Reserve, maternal and child health centres, parks and shops, as well as reducing traffic congestion in the area.
The completion of this section of Aitken Boulevard is an example of how well private and public partnerships can work to achieve the best outcome for the community.”
