Using The MBTA's Rapid Transit App

Having used the Massachusetts rapid transit system (a.k.a the "T"), run by the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), for a very long time; I am still amazed and impressed at how quickly technology has come to the transit system. Especially within the last few years. This includes Wi-Fi in Commuter Rail cars, and as of the last couple of months, an app (code name mTicket) that lets Commuter Rail riders purchase electronic tickets. The MBTA plans on providing purchase functionality for other modes of transit in the future.

mTicket is an elegantly designed and simple-to-use app that allows commuters to purchase single, round-trip, or multiple trip commuter rail e-tickets via credit card in advance (or on-board, if you like to cut it close). Once a commuter purchases an e-ticket, the commuter can view the e-ticket and is prompted to activate the purchased e-ticket once on-board. The activated e-ticket shows the ticket zone, and has a button that once clicked, will display the e-ticket's bar code.

My biggest surprise (considering m-Ticket is in its infancy) was that the conductors were all very confortable with me flashing my iPod Touch with the e-ticket displayed. Plus, for those of us whose closest Commuter Rail station requires purchase on-board, you'll save money off the nominal fare.

mTicket is currently available for Apple iOS and Android mobile devices. A Blackberry version is in development.