» Sign Up For Breaking News Alerts» Like Us On Facebook» Follow Us On Twitter

The technology allows customers to use their credit or debit card to purchase a Coaster ticket from a computer, tablet or smart phone.

More than 500 tickets were pre-purchased by participants registered in Sunday's Rock `n' Roll Marathon, according to the North County Transit District.

"We know lines get long at the ticket machines and many times customers cannot finish their ticket transactions before the train arrives," said Matthew O. Tucker, NCTD's executive director. "This online option will not only help our customers avoid the stress of the crowded platform purchase, but we will recover fare revenue we were losing on special event days."

This week, the North County Transit District launched an e-ticket partnership with the San Diego County Fair, which is set to begin its month-long run on Friday.

A discounted combination ticket dubbed the "Weekend Fair Tripper" will provide fair admission and a transit pass valid each Friday through Sunday and July 4 on all NCTD trains and buses.

Tickets are available by clicking the "Fair Tripper" logo at GoNCTD.com/sdfair2012. The pass can also be purchased through station ticketing machines.

The e-ticket technology was developed with CooCoo Inc., a Huntington, N.Y. based transit technology company.