>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.