New Payment Options Available for MTA eTix Mobile App (2024)

The changes go into effect Wednesday.

Posted Tue, Oct 4, 2016 at 2:52 pm ET

Governor Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday Apple Pay and Masterpass digital wallet technology have been added to MTA eTix, the mobile app used to buy tickets for commuting on Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road.

Beginning Wednesday, customers will be able to use both services to buy one way, round trip, 10-trip, weekly, CityTickets and monthly passes through eTix.

"We have worked tirelessly to rebuild and reimagine New York's transit system for the 21st century and a key part of those efforts is to incorporate the amenities that modern day riders demand," Governor Cuomo said. "By adding the use of cutting edge technology like Apple Pay and Masterpass, we are not only making mass transit easier to use, but are also improving the overall experience of riders."

From the MTA:

Apple Pay

The addition of Apple Pay to the MTA eTix app for Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road provides a convenient option that eliminates the need to type in any credit card numbers, billing info, or security codes to complete a transaction. Apple Pay is easy to set up and users will continue to receive all of the rewards and bene?ts offered by credit and debit cards.

To use Apple Pay in the MTA eTix app, a customers simply selects the ticket or pass they wish to purchase, selects "Pay with Apple Pay" and completes the payment using the Touch ID feature.

Security and privacy are important Apple Pay features. When customers use a credit or debit card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device, nor on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element on your device. Each transaction is authorized with a one-time unique dynamic security code.

Apple Pay Vice President Jennifer Bailey said, "The New York commute just got that much easier thanks to Apple Pay in the MTA eTix app. Now you can skip the line entirely to buy train tickets right on your iPhone."

Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and later. For more information on Apple Pay, visit here.

Masterpass

Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road riders can now choose Masterpass as a payment option within the MTA eTix app on any iOS or Android device. Masterpass securely stores all card details, from the consumer’s chosen Mastercard or other network branded card, allowing for quick and simple payment.

Masterpass, a digital payment service from Mastercard that enables consumers to look no further than their own trusted bank to make fast, simple and secure digital payments – across devices and channels – anywhere they want to shop: online, in-app, and in-store using contactless technology. Masterpass helps make the process of buying a ticket with MTA eTix easier than ever, and leverages the most advanced methods of payment security available today.

For more information on Masterpass, visit here.

Mastercard North America President Craig Vosburg said, "Mastercard is working with the world's leading cities and industry partners to remove the friction that slows down how people move around them. The integration of Masterpass into the MTA eTix app is a tremendous showcase of progress on this commitment as we look to build out a seamless user experience for commuters in New York. In today’s fast-paced, always connected world, people expect to have access to payment solutions that deliver a simple and secure experience and this collaboration truly delivers on that."

About MTA eTix

MTA eTix empowers LIRR and Metro-North customers to board using their smartphone instead of a paper ticket, as well as check schedules and see train service status, which interconnects with the popular Train Time apps for Metro-North and the LIRR. The app also offers account management tools, giving railroad customers the ability to secure refunds for unused mobile tickets, request duplicate receipts, and manage profile info such as password and linked credit card numbers. More information about the app is available here.

Individuals interested in accessing MTA eTix can do so at the links below:

For iOS Devices

For Android Devices

Photo credit: Screenshot of eTix.