If you’ve been seeing train conductors who appear to be texting each other recently (WORK SUX! WOT R U DOIN?), they may actually be operating the new handheld wireless ticket machines that are supposed to “modernize and simplify on-board ticketing issuing.” Metro-North is also working with banks to implement credit card purchases on board.

The devices can also receive text messages from Rail Traffic Controllers, which should cut down on delay announcements like “We really don’t know what the problem is, but we’ll let you know as soon as we find out.”

Around 200 of the 600 conductors are currently wielding the hardware, with the rest being phased in starting this month. That of course means they’re phasing out those large sheet tickets and the beloved hole punchers–which effectively silences the timeless mating call of the ticket crickets.