42°
Starting Monday, commuters will be able to buy tickets using an app on their mobile devices along the New Haven Line – including the New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury branches, Metro-North announced.
Once on board, commuters will simply need to show the digital ticket on their smartphone devices to the conductor.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, the Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad made the announcement last week.
“This is another step forward in customer service and convenience for Connecticut’s commuters, who rely on a modern and effective transportation system to get to work and go about their daily routines each and every day,” Malloy said. “On the busiest commuter rail line in the country, this new smartphone app will save everyone time and add convenience.”
CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said that the app, which is named “MTA eTix,” can be downloaded now and will become functional along the New Haven Line and its branches beginning Monday, Aug. 22.
Versions are available for both Apple and Android devices, and can be downloaded at app stores by searching the keyword “MTA eTix.”
In addition to the ability to purchase tickets on the app, users can also check train schedules and see their train’s service status. It also offers account management tools, giving customers the ability to secure refunds for unused mobile tickets, request duplicate receipts, and manage account information.
To use a digital ticket with the app, commuters will need to create an account and then follow three easy steps:
- Purchase the ticket by entering information about origin and destination, select the type of ticket (one way, round trip, 10 trip, or weekly), and enter credit card or debit card information. The ticket is then saved in an electronic “Ticket Wallet” feature in the app.
- Before boarding the train, the commuter should pull up the ticket from the device’s “Ticket Wallet” and activate it by tapping the “activate ticket” button.
- When a conductor walks through the train for tickets, the commuter should have their activated digital ticket displayed and show their smartphone screen to the conductor. The conductor will visually inspect the mobile ticket, which incorporates digital anti-counterfeiting features.
The “MTA eTix” app was developed by Masabi, which has also created electronic mobile ticketing programs for MBTA Commuter Rail in Boston, NICE Bus on Long Island, and Metrolink in Los Angeles.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bridgeport and receive free news updates.
