Photo: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is set to begin testing its new tap-and-go fare payment system at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 5. The pilot program will initially be available at five turnstiles across two PATH terminal stations: Journal Square in Jersey City and 33 Street in Manhattan.
TAPP, or Total Access PATH Payment, represents a significant step forward in fare collection technology. Unlike traditional systems that require specific PATH-issued SmartLink cards or pay-per-ride MetroCards, TAPP is an open-loop contactless payment system. This allows customers to use any contactless credit/debit card or digital wallets on their devices at PATH turnstiles, similar to the OMNY cards accepted on the New York City Subway.
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole expressed his excitement about the new system, stating, “Our customers have been asking for a tap-and-go fare payment system and PATH’s pilot of this new technology helps create a seamless experience that opens up travel options to more riders.”
The contract for the design and installation of the new TAPP system was awarded to Cubic Transportation Systems in November 2021. The contract also included software development and installation, the purchase and installation of required equipment and upgrades, and the implementation of all backroom processing capabilities necessary to support the new system.
The pilot program is the first step in an exciting transformation of the fare payment system, designed to eventually provide faster, more accessible, and more convenient service for all riders, according to Clarelle DeGraffe, general manager and director of PATH.
Subject to the experience with the test turnstiles, the new equipment will be phased in over a 12- to 18-month period. During phase-in and for a substantial period thereafter, equipment supporting SmartLink and MetroCard will remain operational as customers become familiar with the new system.