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    1. Technology
    2. Fare Collection
    3. Mobile Applications

    Gov. Lamont announces launch of mobile ticketing app for Hartford Line and Shore Line East

    Feb. 13, 2020
    The CTrail eTix provides rail passengers with a paperless smartphone option to purchase tickets.
    Related To: Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)
    CTDOT
    Gov. Lamont announces mobile ticketing is now available on the Hartford Line and the Shore Line East.
    Gov. Lamont announces mobile ticketing is now available on the Hartford Line and the Shore Line East.

    A mobile app, CTrail eTix, which provides a mobile ticketing option, is coming to the CTrail Hartford Line and Shore Line East, according to an announcement from Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner Joseph Giulietti.

    “Our focus is on enhancing the customer experience and encouraging people to get out of their cars and onto trains and buses, so anything we can do to make commuting more attractive can only help,” Gov. Lamont said. “Making the CTrail eTix app for Hartford Line and Shore Line East commuters is a next logical step and I commend the Department of Transportation for moving our efforts forward.”

    With CTrail eTix, passengers can purchase tickets using a credit or debit card and store them electronically on their device. When ready to use a mobile ticket, the passenger simply opens the CTrail eTix app and presses a button to activate the mobile ticket. After the ticket is activated, passengers then show it to the train conductor from their smartphone screen.

    The app can be used to purchase Shore Line East and Hartford Line tickets, with optional connecting service on New Haven Line (Metro-North) trains using a single device in one transaction. In addition, passengers utilizing the stations in Berlin and Wallingford can purchase parking through the app.

    “The benefits of using CTrail eTix are numerous,” Giulietti said. “Using this app, our customers will have a faster and easier commuter experience. Riders won’t need to use the ticket vending machine before boarding the train or need to pull out their cash or credit or debit card to complete their payment. They will also not risk losing their paper ticket. This mobile app is the best way to purchase train fares on the CTrail system.”

    CTDOT conducted a pilot program of a beta version of the application in April 2019. In that pilot program, a selected group of CTrail passengers was able to complete purchases of mobile tickets and used the app to board CTrail trains. During the testing phase, the app was received with great enthusiasm and users rated the application highly. Input and feedback from the pilot participants has been incorporated into CTrail eTix version 1.0 that is now available to the public for download and use.