Wong says she expressed ‘importance of Oscar Jenkins’ condition’ to Russian foreign minister – as it happened

This blog is now closed

• Commercial flights diverted as Chinese warships undertake apparent live-fire drill in sea between Australia and New Zealand
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Victoria to offer contactless public transport tickets from next year

Victorians will be able to use their phones, bank cards or smartwatches to pay for public transport travel from early next year in a staged approach", according to reports.

Following a successful start of a ticketless bus trial in Wangaratta, the Allan Labor Government will begin switching on tap-and-go technology across Victoria's public transport network from early next year in a staged approach - meaning some passengers will soon be able to use their bank cards, phones and smart watches to travel on full fare tickets.

The new ticketing system will continue to be underpinned by extensive technical testing and will be carefully rolled out starting with rail from the beginning early next year - allowing full fare passengers more ways to pay for their travel.