MTA TrainTime icon
MTA TrainTime: Comprehensive Review of NYC Rail Commuting App

by MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)

4.8
ANDROIDMaps & Navigation
The MTA TrainTime app provides integrated rail service management for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North commuters, combining ticket purchasing, real-time tracking, and trip planning in a single mobile platform.

Detailed Review

The MTA TrainTime application serves as a comprehensive digital solution for commuters utilizing New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority rail services. Developed by the MTA itself, the application consolidates multiple travel functions into a unified mobile experience, positioning itself as an essential tool for daily rail passengers navigating the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad systems. The application's core functionality encompasses several critical commuting needs. Users can purchase digital tickets through Google Pay or credit/debit cards, with the unique capability to split payments between two payment methods. The trip planning feature allows simultaneous searches for multiple origin and destination stations, providing detailed departure times and transfer information. Real-time train tracking, arrival notifications, and the ability to save frequent routes enhance the practical utility for regular commuters. The application also facilitates trip sharing functionality for coordinated travel planning. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design considerations for commuter workflows. The interface organizes complex scheduling information clearly, with real-time updates reducing uncertainty during travel. The ability to purchase tickets directly from the trip planner creates a seamless transition from planning to execution. Performance observations indicate reliable functionality during peak commuting hours, though some users report occasional inconsistencies in fare calculation during off-peak purchasing scenarios. User feedback trends consistently highlight satisfaction with the application's comprehensive feature set. Rob Figueroa's January 2025 review praises the integration of schedules, ticket purchasing, and notifications, while noting the absence of station parking payment options. Chris Gerber's May 2025 review acknowledges responsive feature improvements, specifically mentioning implemented feedback regarding automatic route reversal for return commutes. However, Justin Goodman's May 2025 review identifies a persistent issue with off-peak ticket purchasing, noting the system sometimes forces peak fare purchases during off-peak travel times. The application demonstrates significant strengths in integration and convenience while facing limitations in fare calculation accuracy and parking integration. Its optimal use case involves regular commuters seeking to streamline their daily travel routine through digital ticketing and real-time service information. The application successfully reduces dependency on physical tickets and station machines, though occasional fare calculation issues may result in unexpected charges for off-peak travelers.

Key Features

  • Digital ticket purchasing with Google Pay and split payment options between two cards, eliminating need for physical tickets
  • Comprehensive trip planner showing departure times and transfer details with multiple station search capability
  • Real-time train tracking with arrival notifications and current track information for service updates
  • Saved frequent trains feature enabling quick access to regular commuting routes and schedules
  • Trip sharing functionality that allows coordination with family members or travel companions
  • Integrated car information display showing train composition and seating availability details

Why Users Love It

Comprehensive feature integration
Reliable real-time updates

Perfect for: Regular commuters on MTA's Long Island and Metro-North rail services

Screenshots

MTA TrainTime screenshot 1MTA TrainTime screenshot 2MTA TrainTime screenshot 3MTA TrainTime screenshot 4MTA TrainTime screenshot 5MTA TrainTime screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track MTA TrainTime's performance in Maps & Navigation over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#42

5 from last week

Best Rank

#29

All-time high

Average Rank

#35

30-day average

User Reviews

Rob Figueroa
Jan 16, 2025

Awesome app. Schedules, ticket purchase, arrival and departure notifications and more all in one place. Make being a passenger on the MetroNorth super easy. Only thing missing is a way to pay for parking at your stations. Other than that I'm a big fan. Great Job on its deployment and feature set. Thank you.

Rob Figueroa
Jan 16, 2025

Awesome app. Schedules, ticket purchase, arrival and departure notifications and more all in one place. Make being a passenger on the MetroNorth super easy. Only thing missing is a way to pay for parking at your stations. Other than that I'm a big fan. Great Job on its deployment and feature set. Thank you.

Chris Gerber
May 22, 2025

I'm pleasantly surprised at how good the TrainTime app actually is. They have even incorporated feedback that I've provided around automatically reversing routes for my evening commute. While I have to use this app nearly daily, I actually enjoy it.

Bitsy Perlman
Jul 14, 2025

Very thoughtfully designed, with features I am surprised (but maybe should not be) to see: for instance, being able to see trains going to more than one destination, click through to buy a ticket right from the planner, real time tracking, track information, car information.

Michael Abramov
Mar 13, 2025

This is an amazingly well crafted app. The destination selection is second to none. The payment process is super quick. The interactive map & actual arrival times (ETA) is virtually flawless. When things work you get happy customers. A+++

App Details

Developer

MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)

Platform

android

Rating

4.8

Last Updated

10/7/2025