Masabi has announced the successful launch of an integrated mobile ticketing solution for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority’s system, allowing seamless transfer between Metrolink commuter rail services and the gated Metro Rail network. The system combines a mobile app with optical readers mounted at Metro station gates linked to Masabi’s Justride Inspect Software, enabling validation of tickets and gate activation. This eliminates the need for Metrolink passengers to wait in line to purchase paper tickets for onward journeys. Around 185 gates — more than half — are now mobile-enabled with more stations coming online in the future.
Masabi launched the Metrolink app in early 2016, and already processes 26 percent of all fare revenue, while enabling riders to continue their journeys using the app on local bus services as part of the EZ Transit Pass program. Until now however, the 30 percent of Metrolink riders who transfer to Metro Rail services on a daily basis had to purchase separate paper tickets before boarding, leading to lines at ticket machines and increased congestion at stations. A new version of the Metrolink app accommodates the purchase and display of tickets that enable travel on Metro Rail services as part of the EZ Pass program.
“Our riders value convenience above all else when it comes to their transit experience, and this new service will eliminate a source of frustration,” said Metrolink Chair Andrew Kotyuk. “We are excited to expand the capabilities of our mobile ticketing service to include Metro, and hope it will improve the day-to-day experience for our riders.”
“This new integrated service validates the potential of mobile ticketing not just to expedite the purchase and display of tickets, but to bridge the gap between modes of transportation,” said Brian Zanghi, CEO of Masabi. “We see a major opportunity for ticketing to serve as the ‘glue’ between transit options and operators, enabling the type of seamless experience that modern consumers have become accustomed to in other elements of their lives.”
