V/Line bus and train services from regional Victoria to Bendigo or Melbourne require a V/Line ticket, not a myki card. The myki card is used for transport once in Melbourne and has not been applied to V/Line services at this stage. You May Be Eligible For Free Travel Whilst In Melbourne? If you are travelling to Melbourne by bus or train and you have a return V/Line transport ticket (for the same day), then you are eligible for free travel on city buses and trams for that day. Simply carry your bus or train ticket with you whilst in Melbourne, and you can ride on buses and trams in the city until you need to catch your bus or train for home later that day.
If you are travelling to Melbourne by bus or train and you only have a one way ticket (for that day), then please make your way to the PT Hub / Information Booth on the lower concourse at Southern Cross Station once you arrive, and they will stamp your train ticket. Once stamped, your bus or train ticket will allow you to travel free on Melbourne's trams and buses for one hour after arriving in Melbourne. This will mean that you can usually get to your appointment free of charge just by using your bus or rail ticket. You will, however, need to purchase a bus / tram card (Myki) for your return journey back to Southern Cross station after your appointment.
How Do I Buy A Bus / Tram Card (Myki)? If you are going to be using public transport during your stay in Melbourne (and you are not eligible for free travel as part of a V/Line ticket), then you will need to buy a myki card to travel. Myki is Victoria's new ticketing system for travel on train, tram and bus services. Myki is a small plastic card similar in size to a credit card, which can be used for travel on trains, trams and buses across Melbourne and some regional towns. It is proposed that the myki will be used on all V/Line trains and coaches in the future, however this is not the case at this stage.
Myki uses smart card technology, which enables it to give the customer the best fare for their travel. The customer simply purchases their initial Myki card and tops it up with money before travelling. When the customer boards a train, tram or bus they must touch on their Myki at the Myki readers, which are located at train station entrances and each doorway of trams and buses. At the end of each trip, they must touch off their Myki at the Myki readers to get the lowest Myki fare. Melbourne is progressively making the switch to Myki, and people who plan to use buses and trams in Melbourne are urged to purchase a Myki card. The existing Metcard ticketing system can still be used (if you already have a Metcard) and will run alongside Myki for a period of time (probably until the end of 2012).
All Myki cards must be purchased at a cost of $6 (full fare applicant) or $3 (concession fare applicant) before travelling on any of Melbourne's buses and trams. Once you have your Myki card, then you just need to top it up when you need to travel in Melbourne. Myki cards can be purchased and/or topped up:
If you hold a pension concession or a student card, then it is a good idea to give Myki a call a few weeks before your expected travel date in order to apply for your initial concession Myki card, as proof of eligibility needs to be determined.
Some concession card holders are also eligible for free travel on buses and trams in the city on weekends. Eligibility, however, is determined via an application process, so give Myki a call at the above number.
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