Eric From Bronxville, inventor of the downloaded photo of the monthly pass on his iPhone, attempted to use the digital image as his train ticket last Friday.

He writes:

As the conductor approached, I readied my iPass, positioning it on my briefcase to minimize the glare on the screen.  In case of failure, my authentic, paper monthly pass waited under my coat to be revealed.

My heart raced as the conductor looked at the iPass (a second or two longer than the usual glance), said “Thank You,” and moved on.

Was this a one-time lucky break?  Or is it now Metro-North’s policy to accept electronic versions of tickets?  Or maybe he figured if I took the time to put my ticket on my iPod, I deserved a free ride.

Disclaimer: Do not try this with one-way or round-trip tickets.  The conductor may try to punch a hole in your iPod.