Smartphone Payments Coming to Metro-North New Haven Line Customers

Commuters on the Metro-North New Haven line will soon be able to purchase tickets using a smartphone app.

The ability includes the New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury branch lines.

"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," Governor Dannel 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 explained that the app, which is named "MTA eTix," can be downloaded now and will become functional for stations along the New Haven Line and its branches beginning Monday, August 22. Versions are available for both Apple and Android devices, and can be downloaded at app stores by searching the keyword "MTA eTix."

Commuters who use the app will have to create an account and follow these directions:
1. Purchase the ticket by entering information about origin and destination, select the type of ticket (one way, round trip, ten 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.
2. Prior to 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.
3. When a conductor walks through the train to ask 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.

In other New Haven line news, bicycle racks have been installed at all trains

Following the recent purchase of 405 new, state-of-the-art M-8 rail cars that are now in service on the New Haven Line, the state began outfitting the cars with bicycle racks in response to customer demand. The cars operate in pairs, and a total of 190 racks have been installed and are currently available for use.
Bicycles are not permitted on peak-hour (morning and evening rush) trains.
The cost of installing the racks was $209,000. Connecticut's share was $135,000 and the State of New York paid the balance under the 65-35 percent financial agreement between the states.

Image via Gov. Dannel Malloy/Flickr Commons