Its been over five years since the Port Authority and MTA announced plans to integrate their card system (MTR # 244), but such a system is now close to reality.

New turnstiles in use in twelve of the PATH’s 13 stations now accept either PATH Quick Cards and  MTA MetroCards.  The installation of turnstiles that accept both cards will be completed at Newark Penn Station before the end of July.

Another project to be completed by the end of the year is the introduction of the PATH “SmartLink” card which will allow passengers to add value to a card through the internet and better guard against loss or theft.  The card system is apparently not a type of the true “smart card” some systems are beginning to use that work like an E-ZPass for transit  users — it remains in a pocket or wallet but is scanned as a passenger enters a turnstile or other gateway.  Such a system is badly needed on the region’s buses, where on-board fare payment, including the cumbersome “MetroCard dip” in NYC and Nassau County, is a big source of bus delay. 

MTR back issues:

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