Myki closer to new Melbourne deal

The operator of Melbourne's Myki public transport ticketing system is a step closer to another six-year contract.

A government spokesman on Friday told AAP the tender was still open but current operator NTT Data had moved forward in the process.

The ticketing operator has been heavily criticised for a $550 million cost blowout, slow readers at Myki gates and online top ups that take up to 24 hours to be processed.

The competitive tender is being overseen by Public Transport Victoria and a final decision is expected in the coming months.