The current NYC Metrocard system has been in place for decades, and while functional, it comes with significant inefficiencies and user experience issues. These include:

• The high cost of maintaining Metrocard machines and infrastructure.
• The time lost in waiting in line to buy a Metrocard.
• The inconvenience of touching dirty machines and the risk of losing or forgetting the physical card.
• Potential system abuse, where people swipe cards for others.

Given these issues, the objective is to design a new system that enables both daily commuters and out-of-town visitors to access the NYC metro system without needing a physical Metrocard. The solution should address the existing pain points, streamline the user experience, and offer a modern, efficient alternative. The solution must leverage technologies that are available on the market today.

• For Daily Commuters: The system should provide a quick, efficient, and easy way for regular users to access the metro.
• For Out-of-Town Visitors: The system should enable visitors to purchase tickets or passes quickly and efficiently without requiring a physical Metrocard.
• No Physical Metrocard: The new solution should completely eliminate the need for a physical Metrocard, utilizing available technologies.

1. Landing / Home Screen

Objective: Provide an intuitive and simple starting point for all users, whether they are daily commuters or visitors.

• Two Main Options: Large, clearly labeled buttons for "Daily Commuter" and "Visitor."
• Quick Start Options: Access to quick options such as viewing the metro map or checking the metro schedule.
• Login/Register: Option for daily commuters to log in or register for a personal account.
• Guest Mode: Visitors can easily access the system without creating an account, allowing them to purchase a one-time pass.

UI/UX Considerations:

• Clean, welcoming design: Large buttons that are easily clickable.
• Simple, no-clutter interface: Ensures all users can quickly choose their preferred mode.
• Color contrasts and bold typography: For clear and immediate recognition of options.

2. Commuter Profile & Account Dashboard

Objective: Allow regular users to manage their account, balance, trip history, and payment options.

• Account Overview: Display balance, active passes, and recent trip history.
• Payment Methods: Integration with mobile payment systems (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and credit/debit card options.
• Travel History: A list of recent trips showing the stations, dates, and the routes used.
• Settings: Options to manage notifications, set up auto-recharge for passes, and adjust account preferences.

UI/UX Considerations:

• Tab-based navigation or side menu: For easy access to different sections like account, payments, and settings.
• Clear typography with large text: For account balance and recent trips.
• Use of simple graphs: To show travel statistics and balance.

3. Visitor Mode (One-Time Use)

Objective: Simplify access for one-time visitors to purchase and access tickets for metro travel without needing a personal account.

• Quick Start Button: Visitors can choose a one-time pass with just a few clicks.
• Payment Integration: Users can pay using credit cards, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
• Digital Ticket Generation: After payment, a QR code or digital ticket is generated for entry at metro turnstiles.
• Help & Instructions: Basic guidelines on how to use the metro and access the digital ticket.

UI/UX Considerations:

• Fast, no-fuss design: With minimal input fields.
• Bold, clear buttons: For payment and ticket generation.
• Easy-to-read help texts: For first-time users.

4. Ticket/Access Management Page

Objective: Allow users to view, manage, and access their metro tickets or passes.

• Ticket Overview: Display current passes, including validity dates and any remaining balance.
• QR Code: Show scannable QR code for each active pass or ticket for quick metro access.
• Ticket Renewal Options: Option to extend, renew, or buy new passes.
• Ticket History: List of previous tickets used, with dates and metro lines.

UI/UX Considerations:

• Clean, easy-to-read layout: For tickets with large QR codes for fast scanning.
• Icons or labels: Indicating the validity and status of each ticket.
• Simple, clickable actions: For ticket renewal and managing passes.

5. Metro Access Page

Objective: Allow users to quickly access their tickets and pass at metro turnstiles.

• QR Code Scanning: Show the QR code for metro entry and provide instructions for scanning at the turnstile.
• Support for Contactless Access: If possible, integrate NFC or Bluetooth for hands-free access to metro stations.
• Ticket Status: Display a real-time notification about the status of the ticket (e.g., valid, expired, or used).

UI/UX Considerations:

• Large, clear QR code: That can easily be scanned from a phone screen.
• Simple and fast interface: To minimize waiting time and maximize efficiency at the turnstile.
• Color-coded status icons: To help the user quickly know if their ticket is valid.