More Delays, More Waste: Time To Scrap National Ticketing

The Taxpayers’ Union is responding to news the $1.4 billion National Ticketing Solution provider Cubic has had its credit rating dropped, in addition to falling behind targets due to technical complications with the project.

Taxpayers’ Union Investigations Coordinator, Rhys Hurley, said:

“How many more red flags does the Government need? Instead of choosing proven, off-the-shelf systems already working in cities across Australia and the world, they handed the job to a defence contractor to build something custom.”

“Off-the-shelf systems that accept contactless payments and mobile wallets are already up and running in dozens of cities. They’re cheaper, faster to roll out, and more reliable. There’s no reason we can’t have that here while keeping existing discount cards for students, seniors, and others.”

“Despite plans to throw more than a billion dollars at this white elephant, commuters are still stuck waiting for basic features like tapping on with a bank card. Meanwhile, bureaucrats and consultants continue to cash in.”

“The Government needs to cut its losses. Stop pretending we’re building something world-leading. Keep the discount system, but switch to technology that already works and that people already use every day.”