Two failed bidders for the Myki revamp have caused a storm in Victorian parliament this week over whether the contract process was unbiased and best practice
Following the Victorian government’s recent call to change the contract for the state’s public transport Myki ticket solution to US brand Conduent, failed bidders are calling for a review into the process.
As reported on ABC News this week, NTT Data, who currently operates Myki and will be replaced by Conduent, raised issues with the process of the contract tendering in a leaked letter.
A second failed bidder has spoken out, with Cubic writing to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews saying the process lacked rigour and that a review is needed.
In May, Conduent was awarded the 15-year contract to revamp the Myki ticketing system, changing it from a card-based system to an account-based system that would allow for phones and watches to pay for travel on the state’s public transport networks, including metro and regional buses and coaches.
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NTT Data, in its letter to the Victorian government, has accused them of asking NTT Data to increase its bid price without reasonable explanations.
“It appeared as if maintaining the best commercial outcome and value for money was not a primary concern,” the letter says according to ABC News.
ABC News says the Department of Transport has responded to the letters from both NTT Data and Cubis, dismissing a review and saying the process wasn’t flawed.
However, NTT Data says it wasn’t asked to change its bid to include new equipment like other bidders were, saying the most expensive option was chosen through Conduent.
ABC News says in Victorian parliament question time, public transport minister Ben Carroll says the process wasn’t unfair, with shadow public transport minister Richard Riordan saying Victorians should be concerned that the process increased the price of the contract.