2014 Special Recognition: MBTA Innovation Makes Smart Phones Even Smarter

Nowadays, almost everyone has a smartphone jangling in their pocket. With mTicketing, the smartphones of Commonwealth citizens can be even smarter.

With the help of Masabi, a mobile ticketing vendor, the MBTA has successfully implemented a mobile ticketing application for Commuter rail and Ferry users. With less than a third of the MBTA’s 135 Commuter Rail Stations offering in-station ticket purchasing, many riders were forced to buy tickets on the train, inconveniencing the rider and the conductors who must divert valuable time to collect their cash.

By using mTicketing, the MBTA is putting to good use technological infrastructure that is already in place, while saving both the individual riders and the Commonwealth money. By putting the power of purchasing tickets in the riders hands, mTicketing eliminates some of the stress of traveling. By saving commonly selected arrival and departure locations, as well as financial information, trips become no hassle. The app also allows riders in a hurry to dodge long lines at ticket counters or machines, without incurring the surcharge placed on cash ticket purchases. In addition to individual riders, it also saves the Commonwealth money, as vendor Masabi uses a revenue sharing model, so there was almost no start-up cost.

With its clear and easy-to-navigate interface, mTicketing is making commutes for Commonwealth citizens easier than ever before. Over 9% of commuter rail passengers use mTicketing for their ticketing needs, and this number is expected to grow, as the app will celebrate its second birthday November 2014.