Following entry is a record in the “Catalogue of Catastrophe” – a list of failed and troubled projects from around the world.
New South Wales Government – Australia
Project name : TCARD
Date : Nov 2007 Project Cost : $370M AUD Writeoff Cost : $95M AUD (estimated)
Synopsis :
Smart card transit project to allow single ticket across train, ferry and bus transit cancelled after years of delays and cost overruns. Project originally intended for delivery in time for Sydney Olympics (Jul 2000) encountered on going quality problems and technical delays and was finally cancelled in 2007,
Contributing factors as reported in the press:
“appalling project management” … John Watkins (NSW Transport Minister). System “riddled” with software faults. Development delays.
Related story :
In 2008 the Melbourne Ticketing Authority announced significant delays and cost overruns with their own smart card system (MYKI). Almost sounds like a bizarre case of inter-city rivalry!
Reference links :