MBTA: On-board electronic ticketing
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefMassachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Masabi US Ltd. said in a joint announcement April 23 that they will they will bring mobile ticketing to MBTA commuter rail riders this fall.
“With applications for iPhone, Android, and Blackberry, customers will be able to seamlessly purchase commuter rail tickets and passes. Once tickets are purchased, customers will be able to use and display them directly via their phone screen,” MBTA and Masabi US said.
“MassDOT and the MBTA are striving to bring our customers convenience without added costs. We are delivering just that with this project and this technology,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey .
“With this new and innovative approach, we are putting a ticket machine right in the palms of our customers’ hands,” said Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis. He said more than half of MBTA’s 140 commuter rail stations have fare vending machines. The new plan will reduce costs by eliminating the need for additional vending machines and lowering cash handling costs.
To help combat fare evasion, all mobile tickets will have barcodes allowing for validation “By placing a personalized ticket machine in the pocket of commuters, they can now buy tickets wherever they are, faster than ever before,” said Giacomo Biggiero, Director of Masabi US Ltd. “MBTA will also see significant benefits in terms of reducing costly cash handling charges and the cost of additional ticket machines.”
