Metro-North, LIRR mobile ticketing app to launch in August

[Editor's note: This post was updated at 10:00 a.m. CDT.]

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's eTix mobile ticketing app will be available to all MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and MTA Metro-North Railroad riders by the end of the summer, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.

MTA's new "eTix" app
Source: Gov. Andrew Cuomo's website

The app's launch date has been moved up from the original launch that had been scheduled for year's end, according to a press release issued by Cuomo's office.

LIRR and Metro-North riders can use the app to check schedules, see service status and purchase tickets without having to wait in line. The app also offers account management tools, which give riders the ability to secure refunds for unused mobile tickets, request duplicate receipts and manage profile information such as password and linked credit card numbers.

Beginning June 30, MTA eTix was made available for riders on the LIRR's Port Washington Branch and Metro-North's Hudson Line. During the week of Aug. 22, the app will be available systemwide for both commuter railroads.

"This new app puts riders first by eliminating the ticket line and helping New Yorkers and visitors get where they need to go with more freedom and convenience than ever before," Cuomo said. "We will continue to create a 21st century transit system that embraces innovation to ensure that we are building a stronger, more competitive New York."

Next year, MTA expects to allow LIRR and Metro-North riders to transfer to New York City Transit (NYCT) subway and buses with a single app and a single transit account, according to Cuomo's release.

The app is powered by Masabi's JustRide ticketing platform, which has been used by other U.S. transit agencies, including Southern California's Metrolink.

In April, NYCT issued a request for proposals for a firm to develop a new mobile fare payment system. The agency is expected to launch that app in 2021.