The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey just announced a new pilot program to modernize PATH by introducing tap-and-go fare payment across five turnstiles, beginning Tuesday, December 5th. The contactless system will be referred to as TAPP, standing for Total Access PATH Payment.
“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,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “PATH stitches the region together, which is why it is important that the Port Authority must make historic investments in technology to ensure that remains the case well into the future.”
The compatible turnstiles will be located at two PATH stations: Journal Square in Jersey City and 33 Street in Manhattan. Each turnstile using TAPP will be specially wrapped to differentiate them from the others.
“The TAPP pilot is the first step in an exciting transformation of our fare payment system, one designed to eventually provide faster, more accessible, and more convenient service for all of our riders,” said Clarelle DeGraffe, general manager and director of PATH.
TAPP will allow commuters to pay fares with any credit/debit card or the digital wallets on their phones rather than the PATH-issued SmartLink cards or pay-per-ride MetroCards. However, during the phase-in stage, customers will still be able to use their SmartLink or MetroCard.
New turnstiles will continue to be installed across various stations throughout the first 12 to 18-month period, in hopes to eventually be implemented systemwide.
The new technology intends to improve millions of rider experiences. In fact, PATH just surpassed its highest monthly ridership total since February 2020 with 4.8 million riders in October 2023. Stay up to date on the latest service changes and schedules here.