The ACT government is seeking legal advice after NEC Australia failed to complete a key milestone for the MyWay+ public transport ticketing system. The company missed the November 1 deadline for 'Milestone 29', the penultimate stage of the 30-stage upgrade, with the government confirming that 'not all components' have been achieved.
The government is assessing NEC's compliance with the contract, which was valued at $64 million when signed in February 2023 and has since been varied twice. Officials will also seek independent assurance over the coming months to better understand the milestone's completion and ensure the platform's usability.
NEC stated it is working closely with the ACT government and will cooperate fully with review processes. The company noted that the project has progressed through key stages, supported by ongoing assurance and validation, and described such processes as normal for large digital transformation projects.
The MyWay+ system, launched in November 2024, was intended to provide cashless payments, next-generation ticketing, and real-time passenger information. However, the rollout has been plagued by problems, including broken ticket readers and blank digital displays, leading to lost revenue and a censure of Transport Minister Chris Steel by the Legislative Assembly.
Nearly a year after launch, customers continue to report issues. Four custom buses still lack MyWay+ hardware, with installation expected by end of 2025, and 22 buses due for retirement are also without the system. Additionally, two senior officials involved in the rollout have left the ACT public service voluntarily during machinery of government changes.
