Metro-North Conductors Will Start Using Handheld Electronic Ticket Machines

Metro-North Railroad says it will start using handheld electronic ticket machines for onboard sales.

The wireless ticket machines will replace the hole-punched tickets currently sold aboard commuter trains.

The wireless devices will also have real-time credit authorization, allowing conductors to accept credit and debit cards for the first time, as well as cash.

On April 1, about 500 conductors will begin using the electronic ticket-sales device.

The Metro-North committee of the MTA's board of directors approved a one-year, $420,000 contract with Verizon Wireless yesterday.

The devices can also receive text messages about train operations, including service updates and disruptions.