THE problem-plagued myki ticketing system will be run by the same company for the next seven years after the State Government chose to hand it a new $700 million contract.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said signing the deal would pave the way for the Government to investigate new technology to allow commuters to touch on with their phones or credit cards.

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Public Transport Victoria is aiming to provide advice to the Government by early next year on how that new technology could be trialled on the state’s train, tram and bus network.

Ms Allan said new financial penalties would also be put in place if NTT Data — the current operator which has had its contract renewed — did not meet performance requirements.

media_camera A new myki operation contact has been signed.

“This is a stronger contract that provides a better deal for Victoria and paves the way for major improvements to myki,” Ms Allan said.

“It provides stronger performance requirements and will deliver better value for money by ensuring unanticipated costs are borne by the operator — not taxpayers.”

More to come