Major shakeup coming for Metrolink

[rickycourtney]

Wow! That would finally bring Metrolink fully into the TAP card system... that's a really good thing!

The downside is that I doubt there is a way to integrate Amtrak ticket sales into these machines, like the old TVMs. But I suppose with the switch to eTicketing, that functionality isn't nearly as useful or necessary.

 

[Paulus]

Press release: Metrolink to Get New Ticket Vending Machines

They seriously need to invest in ONLINE / APP ticket purchase system.

They're doing that as well.

 

[seat38a]

Press release: Metrolink to Get New Ticket Vending Machines

They seriously need to invest in ONLINE / APP ticket purchase system.

They're doing that as well.

They could have eliminated much of the lost revenue from broken machine problem if there was a plan B (Online / APP ) for riders. Also, why not add a ticket machine on the train? If vandalism is a big problem, why don't they add payment options on the trains themselves?

Im glad they are on there way to adding online / app purchase feature but lets face it, they are WAYYYYY late to the game. I know a few people who have gotten a summons to appear for riding the train when the machine is broken. The cop writing the ticket could care less. They are told that if they can prove that the machine is down the judge will throw it out, but taking a day off to go to court and putting down a bail amount is no walk in the park. Its about as much of a hassle as getting a speeding ticket.

Also, not sure if anyone can answer this question. "Why is there a lone Metrolink Ticket Machine at San Diego Santa Fe Depot?" Metrolink goes down only as far south as Oceanside so why have a ticket machine down there that probably gets used maybe .000001% out of the year? I'm sure it could be better used at locations where Metrolink actually runs.

 

[Paulus]

For transfers and whatnot with Coaster at Oceanside.

 

[calwatch]

This is the proposed Metrolink ticket app system: https://www.scribd.com/doc/239301085/ExpressLanes-Electronic-Ticketing-App-2014

They wanted to use Expresslanes (toll road) money for this but the Metro board shot them down, stating that they didn't need to bail out Metrolink's problems, and especially complained that they wanted to use 110 toll money for train lines that go nowhere near the 110.

 

[Paulus]

Metrolink board member quits as Metrolink board attempts to keep OCTA from rotating chairmanship, recommends OCTA reevaluate staying in Metrolink