Tickets via cellphone from Metro-North

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Metro-North is trying to make it easier for you to buy your train tickets. Just use your phone.

Metro North is about to start testing a smart phone app that would let you buy a ticket with a touch of your screen.

Once your transaction is completed a paperless ticket will pop up on your phone screen which the train conductor will be able to validate.

"An app would be great," said commuter Tom Lambert. "Yeah, absolutely. A lot more convenient. I think it would be a lot quicker, too."

"How do you usually buy your ticket," asked News 8's Kent Pierce.

"Through the machine or, if it's not around or out of service, we have to go inside and wait," said commuter Jacqui Pisani.

Most people use the ticket machines on the platforms. Metro North sees the app as the next logical step. A company called Masabi is behind the technology. A video from their website shows they're already using the system on train systems in places like England.

For those who already get passes online, this won't be a huge time saver.

"There's a machine right there, just kind of plop it in and swipe my card," said Kenny Fontaine.

Starting next month Metro-North employees will begin testing the app, which will be free. If that trial run goes well, then the rest of us will be able to use the ticket app soon.

Read more about it at MTA.info