Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI | AFP via Getty Images
In a significant step towards evolving the technology used in public transportation, New Jersey Transit has introduced a new “Tap & Ride” payment option for bus and light rail customers. This innovative feature allows passengers to use their contactless credit and debit cards while boarding buses and at light rail stations.
The “Tap & Ride” program is currently available for adult one-way tickets on buses and all three light rail lines, with plans to expand to accept payment for more ticket types in the future. Transit riders can continue to purchase and show tickets using the NJ Transit mobile app, or pay cash.
The introduction of this new fare payment option is expected to speed up the boarding process by reducing onboard transaction times. "With ‘Tap & Ride,’ customers have an additional quick, convenient payment option,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.
NJ Transit President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett echoed these sentiments, stating that the new fare payment option will not only be more convenient for customers, but it will also improve the overall customer experience.