NYC PATH Completes Shift to Contactless Payment
PATH completes transition to contactless TAPP payment, ending MetroCard sales after 17 months
PATH Ends MetroCard Sales, Requires TAPP
PATH riders can no longer buy or refill MetroCards as of Friday, with the transit system completing its shift to contactless TAPP payment. The Port Authority announced the change takes effect January 10, ending the magnetic stripe cards that served the New York-New Jersey rail line for decades. Commuters now must use TAPP cards, contactless bank cards, or mobile wallets to ride PATH trains connecting Manhattan with Newark, Harrison, Jersey City, and Hoboken.
Transition Follows 17-Month Rollout Period
The MetroCard phase-out completes a transition that began in August 2024 when PATH launched its TAPP system, according to the Port Authority. Officials said the contactless technology reduces maintenance costs and speeds up boarding compared to magnetic stripe readers. The change affects only PATH service, not MTA subways and buses, which continue accepting MetroCards alongside their separate OMNY contactless system. PATH carried approximately 82 million trips annually before the pandemic, though current ridership figures weren't available.
Multiple Payment Options Now Available
Riders can obtain reusable TAPP cards at any PATH station or tap contactless credit cards, debit cards, or mobile wallets directly at turnstiles, transit officials said. The Port Authority's offering a $5 travel credit to commuters who purchase and register new TAPP cards, though officials didn't specify how long the promotion will last. The agency hasn't released data on how many riders have already adopted the contactless system or what percentage of transactions now use TAPP versus other payment methods.
Implementation Marks Final Phase
The January 10 cutoff date was announced via social media on the implementation day itself, with no advance press release from the Port Authority. Officials didn't provide details about whether riders received advance notification through station signage or other channels. The transition follows similar contactless payment adoptions by transit systems including London's Transport for London and Chicago's Ventra, which successfully phased out older fare card technologies.
Riders Must Adapt to New System
PATH commuters who haven't yet switched to contactless payment will need to obtain TAPP cards at station vending machines or use bank cards and mobile wallets to continue riding. Officials said the contactless system works with any payment method bearing the contactless symbol. The Port Authority hasn't disclosed the total cost of implementing TAPP or projected savings from eliminating MetroCard infrastructure. Riders can check real-time service information and payment options through transit apps including Moovit.
