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Amtrak’s Use of the iPhone as a Ticket Scanner

By Guest Author
Today’s smartphones, such as the ones available at Dialaphone, are being used for a variety of real world applications. Businesses and organizations are seeing how they can capitalize on the availability of this technology and make it applicable for their needs. Given the portability of mobile devices, it is easy to understand the pull towards the use of these devices. Recently, the iPhone has been given a new task. Passengers riding on the American train system, Amtrak, will begin seeing employees using iPhones. The iPhones have been repurposed to be used as ticket scanners. They can also be used to print tickets as well. Prior to the adoption of the iPhone system, Amtrak was still using an archaic hole punch system that was difficult to monitor. In fact, now, the incidence of errors should be significantly reduced.

According to the company, the initial pilot of the program for a few routes was so successful, that the use of the iPhone will be expanding for use by over 1,700 conductors. Given this new technology it is possible that customers can board a train without a paper ticket. The iPhones are able to scan codes from mobile devices or laptops, which makes travel much more efficient and environmentally friendly.


The iPhones used by the Amtrak conductors have been equipped with special scanners made specifically for this purpose. The company also has had their own app created to complete the scanning tasks. The app also performs other functions including alerting staff if a passenger is in need of assistance due to a physical disability. The system can also be used to relay maintenance requests to mechanics.

The use of this system also makes the process of modifying tickets more efficient as well. No need to wait in lines to perform the task physically. This system developed by Amtrak is only for use on the iPhone.

This is a guest post by Samantha about Amtrak’s Use of the iPhone (digital phone) as a Ticket Scanner. If you like to write guest posts for us please follow the instructions provided in the link below.


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