THE switch to myki could lead to public confusion, fare evasion and test cases in court, a public transport academic says.
The state government is urging Epping and Hurstbridge line passengers to switch to myki, with Metcard machines being turned off at stations including Hurstbridge, Preston, Clifton Hill and Collingwood this week.
Metcard machines will be switched off at all Epping and Hurstbridge line stations by the end of the month.
While full fare myki cards will be on sale at all stations, child and concession cards will not be available at unstaffed stations.
RMIT University transport senior lecturer, Paul Mees, said no longer providing single use or return tickets showed “immense contempt for public transport users”.
He said Perth, Brisbane and Hobart all used smart card systems and still sold single-use and return tickets. He predicted confusion, more fare evasion, and he was not sure what concession holders were expected to do at unmanned stations. “I would be amazed if there was not a public-spirited lawyer who helps someone mount a test case on this,” Dr Mees said.
Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said unstaffed stations would likely cause problems.
“While the ‘myki mates’ are on duty then at least passengers can get assistance, but once they’re gone there is little in the way of help for people,” Mr Bowen said. “For people who use the trains only once or twice a month, that is a real issue.”
Transport Ticketing Authority chief executive Bernie Carolan said there was ample time to prepare. “A large number of concession passengers, including seniors and students, already have a concession myki, however, those who do not will need to be prepared for the removal of Metcard machines from stations,” he said. There was a growing myki retail network, including all 7-Eleven stores, with about 800 outlets expected to offer myki cards and top-ups by the end of April.
