VRE premieres mobile ticketing app

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) today introduced a new mobile ticketing app known as VRE Mobile. Created by mobile technology outfit GlobeSherpa, VRE Mobile allows riders to buy and use tickets and passes on their smartphones.

The app provides interoperability with other regional fare products, such as the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's SmartBenefits, which allows employers to add money directly to employees' SmartCards. Riders can enter information from their SmartCard onto their VRE Mobile accounts to purchase VRE tickets.

Riders can also create an account and purchase tickets on VRE's website.

"VRE Mobile is part of our ongoing effort to make the commuting experience more convenient and today we take a significant leap forward for our passengers," said VRE Chief Executive Officer Doug Allen in a statement.

The app also provides real-time reporting and geo-location data to VRE, which is designed to help the agency improve operations, VRE officials said.