CTA, Metra, Pace riders can buy mobile tickets with upcoming Ventra app

CHICAGO (WLS) -- CTA, Metra and Pace officials introduceda new app Friday. It will allow riders to buy and use tickets for all three transit agencies on their phones.

The long-awaited Ventra app for Android and iOS phones will become a reality next week. Many commuters ABC7 spoke to are excited for the launch.

"It's going be amazing. It's going to be very convenient for riders," Cody Albano said.

"I have to go to the train station to buy my ticket. So if I could just do it on the phone that would save me lots of time, versus standing in the long lines," Desiree Hall said.

Commuters will be able to use their Ventra account or credit or debit card to skip the line, buy an electronic ticket and display it on their phones.

"We will never, ever, ever have to have a customer stand in line again - unless they just like standing in lines," said Don Orsino, Metra Executive Director.

Users will also be able to manage their Ventra accounts, add value to passes and see real time arrival information on the app.

Ventra has had a reputation for having service issues. But officials said they waited to roll out the app so it could be tested by about 700 people. They believe it's glitch-free.

"The best feedback we ever can get on anything we do - whether it's a mobile application or just our service in general - let us know. If there is an issue, we'll get it addressed and get it fixed," Orsino said.

If commuters don't want to use the app and prefer paper - that will still be an option.

For more information, visit www.ventrachicago.com or check out this overview. To see how the Ventra app will work, watch this video: