Another massive tri-state transit era is coming to an end.
Just months after NYC’s iconic MetroCard was phased out across MTA subway stations and replaced by OMNY, officials have confirmed that the PATH train’s long-standing SmartLink card is meeting the exact same fate.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) announced that Monday, August 31, 2026, will be the final day riders can use SmartLink cards or MetroCards to enter the PATH system. Beginning Tuesday, September 1, 2026, riders will be required to tap into turnstiles using TAPP (Total Access PATH Payment).
96% of riders have already made the switch
The total phase out shouldn’t come as a massive surprise to daily commuters.
According to PANYNJ officials, 96% of daily PATH riders were already using TAPP as their primary payment method by the end of July.
The tap-to-pay system first launched in December 2023, allowing commuters to tap into turnstiles using contactless credit cards, debit cards, or digital wallets on smartphones and smartwatches. The railroad called the switch a “generational breakthrough.”
For those who prefer a dedicated transit card, PATH has rolled out physical, reloadable TAPP Cards.
Unlike SmartLink or MetroCards—which stored balance data directly on the card’s physical chip or magnetic strip—TAPP operates on a cloud-based system. This means online account refills become available almost instantly, rather than requiring a 24-to-48-hour waiting period.
What happens to your unused SmartLink balance?
If you still have trips or stored cash value left on your turquoise SmartLink card, don’t panic—you won’t lose your money, but you do need to take action.
- Use it by August 31: The easiest option is to ride out your remaining balance before midnight on August 31
- Transfer your balance: If you have funds remaining after September 1, you can contact the TAPP Customer Service Center at 800-234-7284 to request a balance transfer to a new TAPP Card
- Transfer Deadline: You have a six-month window—through February 2027—to claim and transfer your remaining funds
To buy a new physical TAPP Card, riders can use the brand new, multilingual touchscreen vending machines installed at all 13 PATH stations or order one online.
PATH is also offering a $5 account credit when you register a new TAPP Card online, effectively offsetting the initial card purchase fee.
PATH to host online Q&A sessions for commuters
For riders who still have questions regarding reduced-fare programs, senior discounts, or account transfers, PATH is holding two public online information sessions:
- Session 1: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (Evening)
- Session 2: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 (Evening)
Riders can register directly through the Port Authority’s official portal to attend and ask real time questions before the September deadline hits.
Big upgrades coming to the PATH system
The phasing out of SmartLink is part of the Port Authority’s broader $430 million “PATH Forward” program, aimed at modernizing the 118-year-old rail network.
In addition to cloud-based payment readers, commuters can expect:
- New Fare Gates: The replacement of standard turnstiles with modern, next-generation fare gates designed to curb fare evasion
- More Weekend Trains: Weekend service on the Journal Square–33 St (via Hoboken) line has doubled, running every 10 minutes instead of every 20 minutes
- Seven-Day Direct Lines: Dedicated weekend service to Hoboken without requiring extra stops for Jersey City and NYC commuters
SmartLink to TAPP transition details at a glance
- Final Day for SmartLink & MetroCard: Monday, August 31, 2026
- Mandatory TAPP Start Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
- Balance Transfer Window: Available through February 2027 (via 800-234-7284)
- TAPP Card Perk: $5 account credit upon online registration
- Accepted TAPP Payments: Contactless Credit/Debit, Apple/Google Pay, or Physical TAPP Card