Myki Noob No More

 When we first arrived in Melbourne, it was no walk in the park. However, there are some people who helped us cope up with the lifestyle of a Filo (Filipino Australian). More often than not, you arrive here in Australia knowing no one but the friend of your relatives or a friend of a friend. They will become your new found peeps that will help you in times of need or bewilderment (must say!).We will forever grateful for all the help we received. 

Tita Carole and Me

We were so thankful that Tita Carol visited our humble home. She brought us some brochures about Melbourne trains and trams. She told us where are the best places to stay and where to stay away. She thoroughly explained to us where to get a Myki card and how to use it (She works in Metro Train). However, all we can give was a blank stare because we couldn’t completely grasp all the information given to us (information overload). I thought Myki Card was like the MRT card. I soon realised that it was a little different to be compared.

In the Philippines, every time you use the MRT train you have to buy a card ticket. The transportation fee will be based on your stop. The farther your destination, the more you pay for the ticket. Pay as you go, very simple. You cannot use the MRT card on buses. For buses, you need to pay cash. In Melbourne, you can use the Myki Card (which cost $6 – no load yet) on buses, trains, and trams 

Myki Cards
Photo courtesy of www.androidaustralia.com.au

Trams are like MRT  Trains on street but slower

Melbourne is divided into 2 zones, zone 1 = city and zone 2 = suburbs (suburbs are like Cavite and Antipolo, very far from the city). If you travel around zone 1, they will charge your Myki Card $7.00 two-way ($3.50 one-way). Regardless on how far your destination will be as long as it is in zone 1, they will charge you the same. What is the good thing about it? $7 is the maximum cost of travel everyday. So you can travel as many times (back and forth) in one day and still be charge with $7. Not really sure about the buses because we rarely use it. Make sure that you touch on and touch off (place your Myki Card on the green scanner) before and after you ride the trains. For trams, you just have to touch on, no need to touch off (it’s automatic according to the brochure). You need to do this because there are card inspectors who will randomly check your myki cards, if they found out that you didn't touch on or touch off you will be charged with $200 (true!). 

Myki Card Scanner
Photo courtesy of gaynoralder.com

I am also thankful that Anna personally showed me how to top up (term for loading or recharge) the Myki Card. You can load up your card using the myki machines or you can top it up in 7-11 stores. 

There are also customer service counter in the train station if you need to ask for more information. 

Myki recharging machines
Photo courtesy of www.busaustralia.com

I also want to thank Kim for informing me that the white part of the Myki Card should be scanned on the green thingy. Thanks to Mariel who explained to us in simple terms the definition of $7 cap (I just explained what it is). How could I forget, Pat, who was with us on our very first tram ride.

Grinning for our very first tram ride

It’s little complicated to understand at first but you will get the hang of it. I don’t want to overboard you with heaps of information about Myki card because it will confuse you. Trust me, it happened to me. You can always check this site for more details http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki/.

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Nikki D.