Jersey City Register

PATH and NJ Transit, to test CREDIT CARDS

I learned tonight that PATH Train and NJ Transit buses/trains will test credit cards as a mode of payment for commuters. I hope this becomes successful to make commuting much faster, as far as entering the turnstile is concerned.

Besides, inserting bills - especially if it’s not in “mint” condition - to buy tickets can sometimes be a pain. I want to be ahead in the PATH so I can take the good seat (who wants to stand up from NY to Jersey City?!) especially in 33rd where people seem to be in a hurry.

What do you think of this move?

Here’s a snippet of the news from NJ.com:

“The Port Authority’s board of commissioners today approved a pilot program with MasterCard Worldwide and NJ Transit to develop and test a “contactless” credit card for use at all 13 PATH stations and two NJ Transit bus routes.

Officials said they want to determine if the card can be used to cover bi-state transportation costs without customers needing separate cards for PATH, New York City subways and NJ Transit buses and trains.

Riders would be issued a special MasterCard that they’d wave by a sensor as they pass through a turnstile or board a bus. The fare would automatically be recorded and deducted from the card, similar to the way E-ZPass operates…”

Photo Credit: natewade

Now let’s just hope PATH trains are always right on schedule.

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