Online train tickets go live in NI

Published Monday, 09 January 2012
Comments
Toggle font size
Print

Train passengers can now pay their fare on their smartphone, following the launch of mLink, Translink's new mobile ticket service.

mLink means rail users can buy and display an electronic ticket on their phone without the need for a paper ticket.

Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive, says it has been developed with the customer in mind:

"mLink tickets can be purchased and displayed using most standard mobiles as well as iPhone, BlackBerry and Android handsets.

"Tickets, purchased via the customer's credit or debit card through a free to download app, can be bought up to three days in advance and can be stored and activated on the phone," she said.

The mLink is compatible with more than 80% of all mobile phones, the only requirement is that you must be able to access the internet.

"The tickets are displayed as a 'flash pass' ticket with no electronic reading required, a visual check of the mobile phone screen by NI Railways employees at the ticket barrier or on-board the train is all that is needed.

Mrs Mason continued: "With Northern Ireland having the highest mobile phone penetration in the UK at 92% and almost one quarter of people using smartphones, we are confident that mLink will soon prove to be the preferred option for train travel."

The app can be downloaded free from the App store or Android market and there is an extra 10% discount for mLink weekly and monthly customers until 29 February.

© UTV News
Comments Comments
6 Comments
C in Belfast wrote (128 days ago):
What happens when 'tech savvy' users simply mock the application. Tickets rarely examined. Poor execution
Choo choo in Belfast wrote (134 days ago):
"Sadly" Paul "Sadly"????. HAPPILY you can still use money and buy a paper ticket from NIR staff. So cheer up. Alternatively you could buy a new phone or walk.
Paul in ROI wrote (135 days ago):
Sadly: App JAR file doesn't load on a SAMSUNG CHAT 225
The Fat Controller in Belfast wrote (135 days ago):
No need to buy a ticket if you travel between "halts". Staff rarely ask to see tickets on board and if they do, simply buy one. You won't get fined. I brought this up with NIR and was told staff didn't have time to check tickets.
Paul in Belfast wrote (136 days ago):
Great, now can they reduce their prices so that it's economically viable for the rest of us to use the service.
POST A COMMENT:
Name:  
Email address*:    
Location:  
Validation:
House Rules:  
Your Comment:  
[All comments are moderated and will not appear immediately. Your name, location and comment will be displayed on this page if your post passes moderation.]
CONSUMER COUNCIL
9 in 10 consumers in Northern Ireland are worried about the cost of their food and groceries.
MOST POPULAR GALLERIES