LIRR tests wireless on-board ticketing

MTA Long Island Rail Road (NY) launched a pilot program to allow customers to purchase tickets on board trains using major credit and debit cards. Conductors are equipped with wireless handheld ticket issuing machines, called TIMs, which can process cash and credit transactions and print a receipt. “We live in a time that is more and more a cashless society,” said LIRR president Helena E. Williams in a statement. “Our younger customers in particular often don’t carry cash. Smart phone technology is offering new improvements and efficiencies almost every day. It’s time for the LIRR to explore how these applications can help provide better customer service.” Customers will pay for the convenience, however, and LIRR urges riders to purchase tickets at stations. On-board purchases will incur a service charge of up to $6.50 per ticket if passengers board at a station which has a ticket vending machine and/or a open ticket window. As part of the pilot, which runs through October 9, customers will also be able to use credit cards to make bar cart purchases on the North Fork Wine Train which features selections from Long Island vineyards.

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