Victorian commuters are one step closer to being able to tap on using their bank cards or phones, finally putting the state’s transport system on par with others currently operating across Australia and the globe.

Beginning early next month, the state government will move into its next phase of testing contactless payments after installing nearly 3000 new ticket readers at more than 280 train stations.

Department of Transport and Planning staff will test the system using a variety of bank cards and smart devices across three days in a laboratory environment.

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Further testing will take place at a small number of selected train stations before public trials will begin over the next coming months, again at selected stations.

It’s understood tap-and-go payments will officially be switched on early this year, however no date has been set.

“This is a critical next step in rolling out tap-and-go payments, allowing us to test the technology in real-world conditions and make sure the system works smoothly before it’s switched on for passengers,” Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said.

“In the coming months, passengers will be able to touch on using a credit or debit card, a smartphone or a smartwatch – starting on trains, then rolling out across the rest of the network.”

Victorian commuters will soon be able to tap on using their bank cards or phones. Credit: AAP

Installation of new readers across the train network was completed late last year, with readers on buses and trams to be updated early this year.

Victoria’s transport system has been lagging behind when compared to the rest of the country, and major cities across of the world.

Contactless payments are available in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney while the technology has been available on London’s public transport system since 2014.