public transportation

New MTA app TrainTime lets users purchase tickets, track LIRR and Metro-North trains in one place

LIRR and MetroNorth train trackers to be phased out mid-August

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

New MTA app lets users purchase tickets, track trains in one place

TrainTime is the MTA's latest app which combines features from the Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, and MTA e-Tix.

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Straphangers will soon be able to purchase tickets and monitor train times-- in just one app.

TrainTime is the MTA's latest app which combines features from the Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, and MTA e-Tix. It was rolled out on Wednesday.

Riders will be able to purchase tickets for either Metro-North or LIRR, get a train's status and track locations as well as talk to customer service representatives.

Previously, customers would have to use two apps to plan their trip.

The app will have real-time train tracking location and improve the accuracy of train arrival times.

If you already have the MTA e-Tix app and automatic updates are turned on, it will update to TrainTime. User account information will remain the same and any previously purchased tickets will still be valid.

"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."

The Long Island Rail Road TrainTime and Metro-North Train Time apps will be phased out.

TrainTime users can log in using their Apple ID, Google account, or a text message and purchase tickets using Apple Pay. The new features complement existing features including a seat availability tracking and in-app chat with customer service.

"TrainTime has a few MTA firsts along with becoming the largest transit agency app in the country: the long-awaited inclusion of ticket purchases, seamless login options and a real-time train movement map," said MTA Head of Special Projects Will Fisher. "There are no passwords to remember, no card info to enter, and if a rider needs assistance, they can get help within the app. The consolidation also gives us flexibility for cross-rail trips once Grand Central Madison opens."

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