Amtrak, L.A. Metro update mobile apps to improve passenger experience

Riders on Amtrak and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (L.A. Metro) rideshare service, Metro Micro, now have access to a streamlined passenger experience thanks to changes in the agencies' respective mobile apps.

Amtrak updates app to improve passenger experience

Amtrak's mobile app updates are available on iOS and Android devices, offering improvements and delivering enahced trip navigation. 

“Understanding our customers are constantly on the go, Amtrak is committed to continually improving and expanding our mobile platform,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch. “We’ve listened to our customers and improved the Amtrak app’s design and functionality for a better experience. These new updates make it even easier for customers to focus on their journey, with more convenient access to tickets, train status and more while they’re on-the-go.”

Updates to the app include:

• Train status and schedule adjustments: Customers now have easier access to their train status. Available on active trips, train status and schedule adjustments will display on the reservation when the screen launches.
• Station-to-station train tracker: Shows how the train is progressing in relation to stations along its route. The tracker is also available on Amtrak.com.
• Upfront seat selection: Customers can now choose their preferred seat during the booking process. This update is available on trains with assigned seating, including all Acela trains as well as business class on the Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Vermonter and Carolinian.
• New my trips tab: Customers can access active trips on a single, convenient screen. Active trips will automatically show if there is a reservation that day. My trips also allows customers to tap between active, upcoming and past trips.
• Flexible trip modification: Customers can modify part of their trip through the mobile app. This new feature makes adjusting travel easier while keeping the best available fares.
• Redesigned home screen: The prior home screen combined content and promotions with tickets. Amtrak made this update following customer feedback that indicated they prefer tickets separated from marketing messaging.

Metro Micro's new app

L.A. Metro launched a new app March 16 for its Metro Micro service. The new app, available on iOS and Android devices, aims to make the rider experience smoother and more convenient.

What to expect in the new app:  

• Leave now options: Need a ride right away? Riders now have a leave now option on the app, which provides the soonest available pickup time based on real-time vehicle availability and traffic conditions.    
• More ride notifications: With the new app, riders will receive notifications throughout their entire journey. This includes when a ride is booked, 24-hour notice for rides scheduled in advance, a one-hour notification for prescheduled rides, a notification two to three minutes before a vehicle arrives and a notification if the vehicle will arrive five minutes or earlier than the scheduled pick up.