Path Tap to Pay Simplifies Fares for New York City

New York City's PATH system has introduced a new payment system called Path Tap to Pay, making it easier for commuters to pay their fares.

The system uses contactless payment methods, such as credit or debit cards, and mobile payments, like Apple Pay or Google Pay, to simplify the fare payment process.

Commuters can now tap their cards or mobile devices on the turnstile to pay their fares, eliminating the need for physical tickets or coins.

The new tap-to-pay fare system, TAPP, is being introduced on PATH trains, allowing riders to pay their fare by tapping their credit card, debit card, or digital wallet on their phone.

Starting on December 5th, 2023, TAPP will be available on five turnstiles at two PATH stations: Journal Square in Jersey City and 33rd Street in Manhattan.

The new system will eventually be implemented systemwide, with new turnstiles being installed across various stations throughout the first 12 to 18-month period.

TAPP will allow commuters to pay their fare quickly and conveniently, without the need to refill their SmartLink card or purchase a MetroCard.

Commuters will be able to use their credit/debit card or digital wallet on their phone to pay their fare, similar to the MTA's OMNY system.

The TAPP system shares many features with the MTA's OMNY fare payment system, both of which were manufactured by Cubic Transportation Systems.

The Port Authority inked a $100 million contract with Cubic in 2021 to develop the new contactless payment system, TAPP.

The new system will eventually replace the current fare payment methods, including MetroCards and SmartLink cards, which will still be accepted during the rollout.

The TAPP system is expected to be installed at all 13 PATH stations by the end of the year, according to Clarelle DeGraffe, head of PATH.

The new system will allow for faster and more convenient service for all riders, making it easier to use the PATH train.

Path tap to pay is a contactless payment system that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to enable transactions.

The system requires a payment terminal or a mobile device with a built-in RFID reader to facilitate the transaction.

Payment terminals with a built-in RFID reader can be installed at various locations such as retail stores, restaurants, and public transportation systems.

The payment terminal communicates with the user's device to authenticate the payment and complete the transaction.

The user's device must be close to the payment terminal for the RFID signal to be received and the transaction to be processed.

A typical path tap to pay transaction takes around 2-3 seconds to complete.

The system uses a secure authentication process to prevent unauthorized transactions.

The payment terminal and user's device must be in close proximity for the transaction to be successful.

The PATH tap-to-pay system, dubbed TAPP, has already been installed at six stations, including the World Trade Center station.

These stations are: 33rd St., Hoboken, Harrison, Journal Square, Newark Penn, and World Trade Center.

The system is expected to be installed at all 13 PATH stations by the end of the year.

For now, the bulk of PATH turnstiles will still accept MetroCards, which can be purchased for cash at station vending machines.

The World Trade Center station is the latest addition to the TAPP system, joining the other five stations that introduced the system in December.