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deltavim t1_itlu5cl wrote

This is the problem right here with SEPTA:

To Jared Cohen, the problem is that SEPTA has insisted on building everything on its own in-house app instead of interfacing with third-party apps people are already using, such as Transit App, Google Maps, and Apple Maps.

They need to stop reinventing the wheel - with Key, with mobile ticketing, with NFC payments, etc. Use what is already there!

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AbsentEmpire t1_itm3yfi wrote

Not only do they feel the need to reinvent the wheel, they end up blowing more money than it would have cost to just by an off the shelf system, and what they come up with is a worse alternative that cost way to much and took way to long to implement.

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Aromat_Junkie t1_itptv0p wrote

well except they do that then everyone on reddit is like "OMG LOOK AT GOOGLE GETTING THE ENTIRE SEPTA CONTRACT PROFITEERING OFF THE PUBLIC SYSTEM".

Don't forget the billions spent on government website by big 4 contract agencies.

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nayrb1523 t1_itn1ioq wrote

>That’s because SEPTA required Conduent, the contractor that built the system, to fix initial problems and to maintain and keep the system up-to-date, which includes adapting to new technology like mobile ticketing.

This is the reason. What incentive is there for this outsourcing firm to want to do anything else but building their own? 3rd party integration won't bring the mid/long term maintenance rev so wy on earth would they?

It's fucking stupid but it's the usual game and we, the paying riders (and tax payers) lose each time.

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