• Subscribe
  • Magazine
  • 40 Under 40
  • Supplier's Directory
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
    1. Technology
    2. Passenger Info
    3. Mobile Applications

    MTA launches new one stop rail app combining LIRR and Metro-North trip planning, ticket purchasing

    Aug. 19, 2022
    Developed in house, the new TrainTime features seat availability tracker, real-time train movement and in-app customer support.
    Related To: MTA Headquarters
    MTA
    Mta 62ffaaae36a66

    The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) new one-stop app, TrainTime, is now available for all commuter rail customers in the region.  

    The app replaces MTA eTix and adds the functionality of previously separate TrainTime apps for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad (Metro-North), merging ticket purchasing, trip planning and real-time train location data. 

    “For years the top request from customers has been to include a mobile ticketing option within TrainTime. We have delivered on that ask, while also providing great features,” said Metro-North President and LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi. “Everything from seat availability tracking, reliable train-tracking and in-app support are all at a riders’ fingertips. I cannot thank our in-house development team enough for delivering on a project that riders from New Haven to Montauk can equally benefit from.”  

    Users can access tickets purchased in eTix using their existing account information — or create a new account using Apple ID, Google account or a text message. 

    Making the app easier and more inviting to use, TrainTime users can log in using their Apple ID, Google account, or a text message, and purchase tickets using Apple Pay. These new features complement features that are already popular with MTA app users, including seat availability tracking and in-app chat with customer service. 

    “If we want more customers to return to the rails, the customer experience needs to be as frictionless as possible,” said Acting MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “The new TrainTime accomplishes just that, placing every travel tool a rider needs into one app, regardless of which railroad they are riding. And the debut could not be timelier with LIRR and Metro-North also sharing Grand Central as a terminal in the very near future.” 

    Nearly 50,000 people had downloaded the new app within the first 15 hours of its launch. 

    Mobile tickets on TrainTime 

    TrainTime is the first MTA app where ticket purchasing and trip planning live on the same app. Previously customers would have to use two apps to plan their trip—TrainTime to trip plan and MTA eTix to purchase tickets. 

    Now, a customer can search for their train and purchase their ticket in seconds. When looking up their train, a “Buy” ticket button will appear on the screen. From there, a customer can log in and purchase their ticket. Once a ticket is purchased, customers will see the button show "Activate" as their departure time approaches, or “Wallet” if their trip is in the future. 

    Previous eTix users should use their existing account information to access tickets they have already purchased. 

    Real-time train movement and seat availability tracking 

    A core feature of the revamped app is the real-time train tracking map. In preparation for the app’s rollout, GPS sensors were installed on the entire LIRR and Metro-North fleet. When looking up a train a customer can get the exact position of their train in real-time. Once a customer gets on the train, they can continue to track their movement. 

    The real-time train tracking is complemented by the popular seat availability tracker that the LIRR initially debuted in 2020. A customer can check the exact position of their train while on the train, while also knowing their exact car number and monitor that car’s capacity. 

    In-app customer service 

    In addition to the many social channels, customers can already go to for assistance, TrainTime meets riders where they are, providing in-app chat with customer service representatives for both railroads for the first time. Users can "Chat with us" on the "Status" tab. 

    Cross-rail trip planning 

    The debut of TrainTime allows for a future feature of cross-rail trips when Grand Central Madison opens later this year. 

    A customer that will travel from Long Island to Metro-North region, and vice versa, will be able to plan their full trip and purchase their ticket without having to use multiple apps.