MTA App beta FAQs

How do I install the beta MTA app?

For more detailed instructions, please see the instructions for iPhone or instructions for Android in the Appendix.

Does the beta app replace the current MTA app?

No, during the beta phase, the app will be installed in addition to the current MTA app, if you are an existing user.

I’m seeing an unexpected error with TestFlight

We occasionally have run into temporary errors with TestFlight itself. Please try restarting TestFlight or try again in a few hours. If you continue to have issues, please get in contact by email.

Do I need to give location permissions to use the beta MTA app?

Currently, this new app version requires at least “Always While Using App” permissions on iOS.

How do I submit feedback?

Tap on the “More” tab in the bottom right-hand corner of the app and select the “Send Feedback” option. This will open up a Typeform link that will triage and collect your feedback. If you’re open to being contacted by the development team with follow-up questions, please enter your email address under “Saved Email Address” also in the “More” tab. You only have to enter your email address once.

Can I submit feedback through Apple?

We prefer to receive  feedback submitted through the Typeform linked to in our app (it’s easier for us to track), but we read any feedback we get through Apple/TestFlight as well!

How do I invite my friends?

Please ask them to complete the MTA screener survey if they are interested, and we will contact them directly to set them up with the app.

I’d like to stop testing

You may uninstall and reinstall the beta MTA app at any time. If you’d like to remove yourself from the TestFlight program, open up TestFlight, select the MTA app, and scroll to the bottom to select “Stop Testing.”

When will this new MTA app version launch?

In the spring next year.

Isn’t there already an MTA app?

Yes — and this beta is for a substantial refresh of the current MTA app. We review all of the comments we receive from users of the current app (22,200 comments and counting), and are redesigning the app with quicker access to subway and bus arrivals, improved arrivals accuracy that updates more frequently, and many more enhancements. This beta app will replace the current MTA mobile app. If you use the current MTA app, we would love to know your experience with this new Beta app!

Does the new MTA app support OMNY?

The new MTA app is focused on real-time subway and bus arrivals information, not payments, at this time.

I have another question not listed here

Any additional questions, please reach out to app-beta@mta.info.

1. Install the Testflight app on your iPhone from your AppStore. 
   (Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/testflight/id899247664)
   TestFlight is an app that allows developers to let people test beta versions of apps before they are released publicly. Once you have Testflight installed, we can then invite you to install our app to test on your iPhone via an email.

2. Open Testflight and agree to the T&Cs.

1. Allow notifications B) Continue C) Agree to T&Cs D) Go to email

3. Check your email for a link from TestFlight inviting you to test the app ‘MTA Helium’ on iOS. (This is the name we’re using for the Beta app while it’s in development.)

1. Click View in Testflight B) Install C) Next D) Start Testing

4. Make sure when you open the app you Allow Location, otherwise the app won’t work properly for you. 

1. First, download and install the beta app by following this link on your phone.
   
   
    
2. Then, allow the Helium app to use your location: