Amtrak is launching its eTicket program to all trains within its national network including on the Northeast Corridor, state-supported routes and long-distance services. eTickets provide passengers with the convenience to skip the line at the ticket window and go straight to the gate by printing their tickets whenever, wherever or by using a smartphone to present the eTicket to the conductor. It also allows passengers increased flexibility to make or change reservations. “eTickets deliver the convenience and flexibility expected by passengers and its innovative technology is transforming other aspects of how Amtrak does business,” said President and CEO Joe Boardman.
Amtrak piloted eTickets on five routes before today’s national rollout where it quickly exceeded expectations as rapid adoption by passengers resulted in shorter lines at ticket counters, less tickets sold onboard trains and fewer claims of lost tickets.

When a customer makes a reservation, the eTicket will be e-mailed as a printable document. Passengers using their smartphone or other mobile device can present the eTicket to the conductor by simply opening the document from their e-mail. A lost or misplaced eTicket can easily be reprinted. eTickets also can be printed at Amtrak ticket offices and Quik-Trak™ kiosks. Some customers, including those traveling on a group ticket or passengers purchasing Multi-Ride tickets, will continue to receive a conventional paper value ticket.
Amtrak developed eTicket technology to enhance the passenger travel experience, deliver a higher level of safety and customer service, and improve its business and financial performance. The use of eTickets and mobile technology in the open-boarding environment of intercity passenger rail is a revolutionary advancement for an industry that has relied on paper tickets and the traditional conductor ticket punch since the 1800s.

In addition to an improved experience for customers, the eTicket program provides Amtrak with several significant business benefits including: more accurate knowledge in realtime of who is on the train which greatly improves the safety and security of passengers; en route reporting of onboard equipment problems to mechanical crews which may result in faster resolution of the issue; and more efficient financial reporting.