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A new tap-and-go payment system is now available at nine stops across the PATH system at select turnstiles, including at all seven stations here in the great Garden State.

The Total Access PATH Payment (TAPP) readers were activated at the last remaining stop, the PATH Newport station, last week.

In December, the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey launched the initiative to fit PATH stations with TAPP readers. The system allows riders to use contactless debit/credit cards or digital wallets on smartphones at TAPP-enabled turnstiles. The touchless technology eliminates the need to purchase a specific PATH-issued fare card, such as SmartLink or pay-per-rides MetroCards.

TAPP into the details:

• Active in all seven New Jersey stations, as well as World Trade Center and 33rd Street in New York;
• Will launch at remaining New York stations by end of summer;
• Serves more than 90% of PATH’s total ridership, the system will gradually install more TAPP-enabled turnstiles;
• More than 100 gates feature TAPP — nearly 30% of PATH’s 337 turnstiles;
• 2 million riders have TAPPed into the system;
• All SmartLink discounts will be available on TAPP when it is fully implemented.

Following the phase-in process and a period after, turnstiles supporting both SmartLink and MetroCard will remain operational while customers familiarize themselves with TAPP.

Ease, accessibility & speed

“We are thrilled to offer our TAPP contactless fare payment technology at our New Jersey stations, which serve the vast majority of PATH riders who will enjoy the benefit and ease of tapping in and getting on with their day,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.

“As more riders return to the PATH system after the pandemic, we want them to come back to a commuter rail that reflects 21st century standards of travel and customer service,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

Clarelle DeGraffe, general manager and director of PATH, echoed that sentiment. She stressed that PATH is always striving to make the customer experience more satisfying.

“With a simple tap of a credit card or a smartphone, we’re providing greater ease, accessibility, and speed to a growing number of our riders,” said DeGraffe.

“As more PATH stations come online with TAPP throughout this year, the distance between New York and New Jersey will soon shrink from a river to just a tap away,” said O’Toole.