IL: Bytemark Launches Mobile Ticketing App for Commuter Rail Connecting Chicago and South Bend

June 2, 2014
New ‘South Shore App’ lets riders purchase and store train tickets on their mobile devices.

Bytemark launched a new app that enables South Shore Line riders to purchase and store train tickets on their mobile devices.

Bytemark partnered with the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) to develop the free South Shore App, which is available for both Apple iOS and Android Devices.

Operated by NICTD, the South Shore Line is an interurban commuter rail that connects South Bend, Ind., and Chicago, Illinois. Using the free South Shore App powered by Bytemark, commuters can now use their phone as their ticket. Riders simply need to show their smartphone screens to conductors in order to use tickets. Bytemark’s South Shore App also offers train schedules with arrival times and a system map.

Micah Bergdale, CEO of Bytemark, said, “Bytemark is excited to partner with NICTD to launch the South Shore App. Mobile ticketing is becoming a standard for transit systems around the world, and we are pleased to provide our flexible and secure mobile ticketing solution to commuters across Indiana and Illinois.”

Gerald Hanas, NICTD general manager, commented: “We are happy to offer a more convenient method for passengers to purchase their tickets. We anticipate that mobile ticketing technology will become more popular as passengers discover just how easy it is to use.”

South Shore App Features:

  • “Smart Tile Home Screen” - Provides users with the most relevant content based on their settings and usage history.
  • Meets all Payment Card Industry security standards and accepts Discover Card, Visa, MasterCard and American Express payments.
  • Includes train schedules, arrival times and a system map.
  • Option to purchase multiple passes on one device for groups traveling together.
  • Embedded security to cut down on fare evasion and provide cost savings to NICTD.
  • The Virtual Visually Validated (V3) ticket screen has multiple built-in security features to ensure authenticity.

In addition to the mobile application, Bytemark is providing a state-of-the-art user management platform solution and backend reporting system to NICTD. This will enable South Shore Line administrators to better manage transit offerings and meet customers’ needs.