The LIRR is considering rolling out an electronic ticket pilot program later this year.

Officials say the technology will allow commuters to buy tickets using their smartphone, with a debit or credit card. Then they can present their phones to the train conductor for validation.

The transit union had put the brakes on an earlier version of the e-ticket plan, worried that it would replace conductors. With assurances that it won't, the plan is now back on track.

"We are looking forward to a successful pilot program and the full institution of the new ticket program, as already used by our fellow riders in New Jersey," the LIRR Commuter Council said in a statement on Monday.

Some say they are concerned that there might be some glitches along the way, like cellphones dying on board a train, problems proving someone bought a ticket or just a bad connection.

The company designing it is the same one behind the fare-payment system for NICE Bus.