MTA: eTix app for LIRR coming in June on Port Washington line

Heads up, Long Island Rail Road riders.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s new eTix app, allowing you to buy and display digital tickets on smartphones, will make its debut next month on the Port Washington branch, the MTA said Tuesday in a news release. Mobile ticketing is expected to be available on all branches by the end of the year.

The app, in beta version, has been put to the real-time test over the past few weeks by 150 Port Washington branch riders, with both conductors and customers reporting any problems to the development team. “Preliminary survey results indicate widespread satisfaction,” the MTA said.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the success of the field test Tuesday at the Michael J. Quill Bus Depot in Manhattan.

In addition to making purchases, customers can also get refunds for unused mobile tickets, ask for duplicate receipts and manage their profile information, such as linked credit card numbers, the MTA said.

There will be a stand-alone app, with MTA eTix also accessible through the LIRR’s TrainTime app, which provides schedule and service status information, the MTA said.

London-based Masabi Ltd. was chosen in April 2014 to develop and implement the app, having already created such electronic mobile ticketing programs for Boston’s commuter rail system, NICE Bus on Long Island and Metrolink in Los Angeles.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

Cuomo also announced on Tuesday the arrival of the first of 75 new buses — equipped with Wi-Fi and USB charging ports — to hit Queens’ streets by this summer, with seven going into immediate service. The 75 new buses will be serving Richmond Hill, South Jamaica, South Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens, Rosedale and Far Rockaway.

“With our unprecedented MTA capital plan, we are building for the future with major initiatives that will improve the commute of millions of New Yorkers, reduce overcrowding and bring new technology to our subways, buses and railroads,” Cuomo said previously.