VRE was the first transit system in the greater Washington, D.C. area to offer a mobile app that allows customers to pay their fares and skip a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) altogether, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience for riders.

VRE Mobile, a free download at the iTunes App store and Google Play, allows VRE customers the ability to map out their trips and purchase whatever ticket option works for them, whether they need a monthly pass or a ticket for a single ride. Utilizing the tool allows VRE customers to purchase tickets at their own convenience and save time by completely bypassing station TVM’s. The app gives users the option to use two different payment options, such as splitting the cost between two different cards, and can use a riders’ SmartBenefits.

Aside from ticket purchase, VRE Mobile comes in handy when it comes time to validate a ticket. Validating a ticket, the process of applying the value of one ride from a ticket to that current trip on a train, is mandatory before starting a trip. When in a rush to catch a train, it can be difficult to stop at a machine to validate that ticket. Failure to do so, however, could result in a summons to court and a hefty fine. With VRE Mobile, riders can validate right on their Smartphone, bypassing the TVM altogether. Riders who buy and validate tickets via VRE Mobile then need only show the conductor their phone upon ticket check.

Learn more about VRE Mobile and all you can do with the app at http://www.vre.org/service/vre-mobile/.