Canberra's public transport system has been rocked by shocking revelations that the ACT Government continued pouring millions into the failing MyWay ticketing system despite knowing it was technologically obsolete and inadequate for the city's needs.
The Costly Cover-Up
Internal documents and expert testimony reveal government officials were aware of the system's fundamental flaws years before finally committing to replace it. Rather than cutting losses early, they approved repeated funding injections into what insiders described as a "digital dinosaur" that was costing taxpayers far more than it should have.
The MyWay system, which has processed millions of journeys across Canberra's bus network, was built on outdated technology that couldn't integrate with modern payment methods or provide the real-time data capabilities that other Australian cities enjoy.
What Went Wrong with MyWay?
The system's failures were numerous and fundamental:
- Outdated technology that couldn't support contactless payments
- Limited functionality compared to systems in other capital cities
- High maintenance costs that drained public funds
- Inability to integrate with future transport innovations
"They were essentially trying to keep a 1990s system alive in a 2020s world," one transport technology expert noted.
The Price of Delay
By delaying the inevitable replacement, the ACT Government incurred significant additional costs that will ultimately be borne by Canberra residents. The extended lifespan of the failing system meant:
- Continued high maintenance fees for outdated hardware
- Lost opportunities for integrated transport planning
- Frustration for commuters expecting modern payment options
- Additional costs for emergency patches and workarounds
Lessons for Future Projects
This debacle raises serious questions about how the ACT Government evaluates and manages major technology projects. The MyWay experience demonstrates the importance of:
Regular technology assessments to identify when systems become obsolete
Transparent reporting about system limitations and upgrade requirements
Early intervention when systems show signs of failure
The replacement system, currently in development, promises to bring Canberra's public transport payment into the modern era. But the question remains: why did it take so long, and how much public money was wasted in the process?
As Canberra grows and its transport needs evolve, this episode serves as a stark reminder that delaying necessary technology upgrades often costs more than addressing problems head-on.
