The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced a significant milestone in the adoption of its new tap-and-go fare payment system, TAPP. Over 50% of PATH riders are now using TAPP, highlighting its rapid acceptance since its launch seven months ago. This trend has been consistent, with TAPP usage exceeding 50% each week. Since its introduction, PATH has recorded over 7.6 million TAPP entries, demonstrating its growing popularity.
TAPP, which stands for Total Access PATH Payment, provides riders with a convenient way to pay their fare using contactless debit or credit cards, smartphones, or wearable devices. These modern payment methods have replaced the traditional PATH-issued SmartLink cards and pay-per-ride MetroCards. During the week of July 1st, over 51% of PATH customers utilized TAPP, continuing a trend that persisted for the previous two weeks. On average, around 83,000 riders used TAPP each weekday, while weekends saw approximately 58,000 riders adopting the new fare system.
The swift adoption of TAPP among PATH riders coincides with the increasing number of turnstiles equipped with TAPP readers. Out of the system’s 318 standard gates, 172 now accept the new payment option. TAPP-enabled fare gates are available at all PATH stations in both New York and New Jersey, ensuring widespread accessibility for commuters.
“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, marks the first phase of replacing PATH’s legacy SmartLink and MetroCard fare payment system, which has been in place since 2008. As TAPP is gradually introduced across the system, equipment for SmartLink and MetroCard will remain operational to help customers transition smoothly to the new fare payment method. Existing discounts for SmartLink users will continue and will be available once PATH issues a TAPP fare card.
The new system has garnered widespread acclaim from both customers and industry stakeholders. Recently, TAPP was honored by the Intelligent Transportation Society-New York for its innovation, receiving the 2024 “Project of the Year Award” for outstanding transportation initiatives.
