OzeBus Forum Post

Post by marley 29/01/08 @ 16:20:56

» How about Australian Innovation for a change?

I have a gripe with what seems to be Australian innovative businesses with great new technology are being overlooked when it comes to some of the integrated ticketing systems being implemented. We waited for the mysterious TCard to emerge out of the pilot program only to see it have a very drawn out and expensive death. We hear about aggravated translink operators just about at the end of the rope on the Cubic system....and then there is the Myki system in Victoria....huge money already spent on marketing even before a trial....watch that space! These ticketing projects involve major investment by our governments in foreign companies to provide both hardware, software and business consulting....but it is still a mystery to me what it is we are actually getting!? I think it is time that the gov't take a close look at the "public tender process" and perhaps look at sensible proof of technology in our Australian environment before committing our tax dollars and sense of humour to yet another wasted public transport initiative.

Replies:

   » Re:How about Australian Innovation for a change? Post by Mr Pink 30/01/08 @ 08:05:19
   Couldn't agree with you more, marley. I'm in VIC and the myki system is an absolute disgrace. If the tender process was as corrupt as has been suggested in the media, heads must roll. A good place to start would be the public servant who gets $500,000+ every year to deliver myki, a failing project way over budget and nearly three years late. Depressing when you think how the millions wasted so far could have been invested in real improvements to public transport infrastructure.

      » Re:How about Australian Innovation for a change? Post by driver05 15/02/08 @ 13:11:46
      l'm a VIC bus driver. Some of our buses have the equipment installed for myki and there is a problem already for us drivers. The money till they are installing is positioned and designed in a way that is ergonomically difficult to use . Many drivers are complaining already. This is not a good start .l thought when you redesign something its meant be improved .lm not looking forward to using these everyday. This could cause RSI injuries.