The Metcard is a paper ticket with a magnetic strip carrying fare data. The ticket must be 'validated' whenever a commuter boards a tram or bus, or enters a train station.

Metcards were introduced during the privatisation of the old Met public transport system under the government of former premier Jeff Kennett. Much controversy still surrounds the system, particularly because the traditional conductors on the city's trams were made obsolete, and the machines used to buy or validate the tickets are notoriosuly quick to break down.

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