The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced that more than half of PATH riders are now using the commuter rail’s new tap-and-go fare payment system, with the percentage consistently surpassing 50 percent each week. In the seven months since its introduction, PATH has recorded over 7.6 million TAPP entries.
TAPP, short for Total Access PATH Payment, allows passengers to pay their fare at select turnstiles with a contactless debit/credit card, smartphone, or wearable device instead of the traditional PATH-issued SmartLink cards or pay-per-ride MetroCards.
More than 51 percent of PATH customers used TAPP during the week of July 1, consistent with the two weeks prior. On average, about 83,000 riders used TAPP each weekday and around 58,000 on weekends.
The adoption of TAPP among PATH’s ridership has coincided with an increase in the number of system turnstiles equipped with TAPP readers. Of the system’s 318 standard gates, 172 now accept this new fare option. TAPP-enabled fare gates are available at all PATH stations in both New York and New Jersey.
“We’re thrilled to see record numbers of PATH riders TAPPing into the most convenient way to pay their fare,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “A majority of PATH customers are now seeing firsthand the efficiency and peace of mind that comes with simply tapping your card, phone or watch and breezing onto your train.”
“As PATH customers have now found out more than 8.5 million times, there is no easier or quicker way to pay your fare than with a simple tap,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “TAPP is one of many investments customers are seeing as we deliver on our commitment to continue to improve the PATH travel experience.”
“The success of TAPP is measured through these key milestones as we modernize fare payment for our customers,” said Clarelle DeGraffe, general manager and director of PATH. “We’ve turned a corner, with more than half of our ridership consistently opting for the new fare system, making their ride more accessible and convenient.”
The TAPP pilot launched in December 2023 as part of the first phase in replacing PATH’s legacy Smartlink and MetroCard fare payment systems installed in 2008. As TAPP is phased in throughout the system, equipment supporting SmartLink and MetroCard will remain operational while more customers become familiar with the new alternative. Existing discounts for SmartLink users will remain available when PATH issues a TAPP fare card.
The new system has received wide praise from customers and industry stakeholders alike. It was recently recognized by Intelligent Transportation Society-New York for innovation, winning its 2024 “Project of the Year Award” for outstanding transportation initiatives.
For updates on PATH service and train schedules, visit their website or download the RidePath mobile app. Follow @PATHAlerts on social media for updates on delays and service changes.
# # #
