MBTA Mobile Ticketing Starts Today
The MBTA has launched the first phase of its mobile ticketing program, allowing riders on four commuter rail lines – including Fitchburg – to substitute their smartphones for paper tickets.
Through the program, which the MBTA said is the first of its kind in the country, riders are able to purchase tickets and passes using the MBTA mTicket app for iPhone and Android devices. Tickets are stored in the application's "ticket wallet" and are displayed on the smartphone's screen as a "flash pass," or encrypted barcode.
The MBTA said the new program means customers don't have to worry about losing their tickets. It also said less than half of the system's 140 commuter rail stations have fare vending machines, meaning many customers pay for tickets on board. The new program will allow riders to avoid the on-board surcharge and "eliminates the need to install new vending machines and lowers cash handling costs for the MBTA." Tickets can be transferred to a new device at any MBTA customer service station.
"Customers will now have the ability to purchase tickets without waiting in lines meaning they get more time back in their day and more control over their commute," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.
The first phase, which launched today, includes commuter rail lines in Fitchburg, Lowell, Haverill and Newbury-Rockport. Riders can purchase single or 10-ride tickets. The second phase is expected to go into effect later this month and will include Worcester, Franklin, Fairmount, Providence, Greenbush and Old Colony lines as well as the Commuter Boat. The second phase will also allow riders to purchase monthly passes.
The system uses the JustRide mobile ticketing platform from Masabi US Ltd.
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