New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) eTix mobile ticketing app, which was launched system-wide in August, has had more than 280,000 new accounts created by Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road customers, with cumulative sales through the app surpassing $47 million.
“To remain competitive in the 21st century economy, we are reimagining and rebuilding our public transit system to improve the overall experience of travelers across New York,” said Governor Cuomo. “With the launch of the free MTA eTix app, we have transformed the ticket machine into a user-friendly mobile app, making it easier than ever before for LIRR and Metro-North riders to purchase tickets and travel around the region. This early momentum makes clear that MTA riders are excited to use technology to improve their commute and we look forward to the continued success of the eTix app.”
The free MTA eTix app allows customers to purchase train tickets at any time. In early October, Governor Cuomo announced the addition of Apple Pay and Masterpass digital wallet technologies to MTA eTix.
In November, the percentage of monthly MTA eTix passes purchased by Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road riders tripled as compared to the app's launch in August. Monthly eTix sales increased from 2.9 percent of total monthly pass sales for the first month to 9.6 percent in November. The percentage of weekly MTA eTix passes purchased by Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road riders quadrupled in November compared to the first month of availability.
“The rapid growth of MTA eTix among monthly and weekly ticket holders suggests extremely strong support for the new app among our core riders,” remarked Thomas F. Prendergast, MTA chairman and CEO. “We look forward to finding ways to get the word out about this convenient, easy to use app to even more of our customers, and further build usage.”
The Long Island Rail Road averages 151,632 weekday customers and Metro-North averages 137,755 weekday customers. MTA's average weekday ridership is approximately 289,387.