Amtrak launches eTicketing nationwide

Written By Sean Jeans Gail

Amtrak eTicketing went live today on all trains throughout the Amtrak system, launching a new, more streamlined way for passengers to interact with the railroad and its employees. By integrating computers and mobile devices, the eTicketing program will allow passengers to skip lines at ticket counters, and make lost tickets a thing of the past.

"eTickets deliver the convenience and flexibility expected by passengers and its innovative technology is transforming other aspects of how Amtrak does business," said President and CEO Joe Boardman.

Amtrak explained the new ticketing process in a press release:

When a customer makes a reservation, the eTicket will be e-mailed as a printable document. Passengers using their smartphone or other mobile device can present the eTicket to the conductor by simply opening the document from their e-mail. A lost or misplaced eTicket can easily be reprinted. eTickets also can be printed at Amtrak ticket offices and Quik-Trak™ kiosks. Some customers, including those traveling on a group ticket or passengers purchasing Multi-Ride tickets, will continue to receive a conventional paper value ticket.

Amtrak developed eTicket technology to enhance the passenger travel experience, deliver a higher level of safety and customer service, and improve its business and financial performance. The use of eTickets and mobile technology in the open-boarding environment of intercity passenger rail is a revolutionary advancement for an industry that has relied on paper tickets and the traditional conductor ticket punch since the 1800s.

The program will also greatly improve passenger safety in an accident by allowing Amtrak to provide emergency responders with real-time information about who is on the train.

Prior to today’s rollout, six eTicketing pilots were conducted on Auto Train Station Check-in, Amtrak Downeaster, City of New Orleans, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin and Heartland Flyer.

Converting Amtrak’s Thruway bus service to eTicketing will be a more gradual process, starting with a pilot program in California. So far five Thruway bus routes in California are live with eTicketing. These routes are out of Sacramento and out of Hanford,California. All other Thruway Services outside of California are not eTicketing enabled at this time.

Have any first-hand eTicketing anecdotes? Let us know in the comments or on NARP’s Facebook page.