THE controversial myki smartcard has slipped behind schedule again, with the first public outing of the $1.4 billion smartcard next month to be reduced to a launch among selected "customers" only.
The first public test of the ticket system, which is three years late and $350 million over budget, was due to begin in Geelong on December 8.
But that launch date has slipped again, with the first public release now restricted to a small group of selected travellers, who each will be given a smartcard.
The cards will be used on 24 Geelong buses, on the McHarry's and Benders lines.
A Transport Ticketing Authority spokesman confirmed use of the myki ticket in Geelong would be restricted to selected customers, and that the public would not be able to buy a card.
"A small number of … customers will be given myki cards to use for their everyday travel on selected Bellarine Peninsula routes," spokesman Adrian Darwent said.
Myki is a smartcard that calculates the best fare for travellers and allows them to top up the card online.
The Transport Ticketing Authority has said only that myki would start being rolled out in Melbourne some time next year.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky has also declined to name a launch date for Melbourne.
Read the original article at TheAge.com.au
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