Smartphones are the only thing commuter rail passengers need to board trains by the fall, potentially reducing costs for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
The T is partnering with Masabi to create a mobile ticketing application that will allow riders to pay for their fare on the commuter rail through their smartphones, according to an MBTA press release.
Applications will be available for BlackBerry, iPhone and Android phones, and users will be able to purchase passes and tickets on their phones prior to boarding their trains, the release stated.
“For the passengers, the system removes the problem of having to wait in line at ticket machines – you will be able to buy your ticket wherever you are,” said Ben Whitaker, Masabi CEO, in an email interview. “It also means one less thing to take with you when traveling.”
Masabi designed the United Kingdom’s secure mobile ticketing system, Whitaker said, and once the MBTA ran an open procurement process to compare mobile ticketing suppliers, they chose Masabi as a partner.
“Initially the applications will allow passengers to use their smartphones as both ticket and ticket machine, allowing them to securely purchase tickets and then display them onscreen as a ticket which can be read by train conductors and station staff,” he said.
Although the aim of the app will be to ensure the purchasing process works smoothly, Whitaker said the application can later be a foundation for “more advanced features supporting the commuter in their whole journey throughout the day – not just buying the ticket.”
MBTA spokeswoman Lydia Rivera said the largest benefit of the app will be the ability to collect fares.
“The number-one benefit is being able to collect the fares and make sure we are collecting all the fares,” Rivera said. “It will be an easier and smoother transaction for customers.”
“We have not identified where the money is coming from right now,” Rivera said. “We are looking at the long term benefits. . . . While we are in the dire straits of a budget gap, we feel that moving forward with the new app is a customer service convenience and will ensure fares are collected.”
At this time, customers will not have to pay for the app, Rivera said, and the MBTA will work with Masabi on the application.
“The new solution will help the MBTA reduce costs by eliminating the need for additional vending machines and lowering cash handling costs,” according to the press release. “To help combat fare evasion, all mobile tickets will have barcodes allowing for validation.”
Rivera said while the MBTA currently has the CharlieCard for the T, the application “is something that could definitely be expanding.”
However, the transit system is currently focusing on the commuter rail, Rivera said.
“In the coming months, the MBTA will be inviting customers to participate in designing the new applications via focus groups and a small group pilot, which will roll out in late summer,” according to the release. “The full deployment to all MBTA customers is expected this fall.”
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