Mike DeVitto: Unlocking Innovation with Outcome-Based Procurement

In February’s Transit Voices podcasts in 2023, Masabi co-founder Ben Whitaker talks to Mike DeVitto, former Head of Fare Payment for New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). In this episode, Ben and Mike discuss how the industry has seen new leaders in adopting the latest ticketing technology. “I've seen a sea change in that over the past five, seven years or so a lot of the smaller and mid-size agencies are now pushing the industry forward,” Mike explains, putting it down to better collaboration. “The smaller agencies are more likely to collaborate. Something that I saw as a real big hindrance in the larger agencies, where everybody had their little fiefdoms.” When it comes to embracing new techniques, Mike and Ben agree that risks need to be taken, and experts within an agency’s own teams need to be listened to. “We're paying these people, in some cases, a heck of a lot of money, for their experience and insights, we need to trust them to make decisions,” Mike continues, “and that oftentimes does not exist in these larger agencies. But again, I do sense that that's changing - some of the old guard is leaving and retiring, and I think some of the new folks coming up, have a different idea about how to deal with people.” Mike gives some forthright opinions on procurement and not being too prescriptive, and picking the right battles when it comes to Intellectual Property. He also explains why the legacy process-centric professional is his boondoggle, and why his underdog is collaboration. “If you have a collaborative spirit and organization more than nine times out of 10, you are going to be very, very successful,” he advises.