In 2013, the often frustrating process of transferring between the Metrolink commuter rail system and Los Angeles County's Metro Rail network reached a temporary (if imperfect) solution: "TAP"-enabled paper tickets.  Soon that will be a thing of the past.

According to an announcement from Metrolink, new optic readers are being installed at fare gates across the Metro system that will allow Metrolink riders to transfer with the use of a mobile app.  The installation and testing of the new technology is expected to continue throughout 2018.

This new system, budgeted at $1.2 million, is the third phase of Metrolink's app project, which also includes a live GPS tracking system that allows commuters to see real-time updates on estimated train arrival and departure times.

Metrolink estimates that approximately 30 percent of its riders ultimately transfer onto the Metro Rail system.