Victorians continue to pay the price for Labor’s financial mismanagement as reports reveal the new operator of Victoria’s public transport ticketing system is seeking additional funding from the State Government.
In May 2023, the Allan Labor Government announced a new $1.7 billion contract with Conduent Business Services to modernise Victoria’s public transport ticketing service, including introducing the ability to tap on and off with a credit or debit card.
Despite being just over 12 months into a 15-year contract, Conduent is reportedly struggling to meet key deadlines and is negotiating contract variations with the Allan Labor Government amid concerns the project is over budget.
In addition to the Conduent contract, the Department of Transport and Planning has spent millions on consultants to assist in the rollout of the new system, including $4.2 million for public transport ticketing technical design services.
Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Matthew Guy, said: “Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage projects and Victorians are paying the price.
“This project is looming as yet another financial disaster from Premier Allan that Victorian taxpayers and commuters will foot the bill for.
“Tap-and-go ticketing systems are standard across Australia and major global cities, yet under Labor, Victoria just can’t seem to get it right.
“The Allan Labor Government must explain how far off track and over-budget this project is, and when Victorian commuters will have the world-class ticketing system they were promised.”
