High-tech fare gates, reloadable FARE-PAY cards, more mobile payment options, and modern ticket vending machines were just some of the features of NJ TRANSIT’s fare modernization efforts on display today at Secaucus Junction. 

The agency demonstrated these initiatives as the latest in its ongoing efforts to transform the customer experience through innovation and technology. 

“Our fare modernization program is focused on making every step of the customer journey more seamless, efficient, and secure,” said NJ TRANSIT President/CEO Kris Kolluri. “From advanced 3D fare gates to expanded contactless payments, we’re improving the way customers move through the system with greater ease and reliability while protecting revenue.”

NJ TRANSIT’s Steps to Simplify Fare Collection

NJ TRANSIT showcased its fare collection modernization efforts during an event at Secaucus Junction Station, featuring staffed exhibits that demonstrated many of the new fare technology features. These include:

• New, high-tech fare gates with advanced 3D sensors and imaging technology will be installed at Secaucus Junction and Newark Liberty Airport. The nearly eight-foot-tall gates use advanced sensors and 3-D technology to enhance security and revenue protection.

• FARE-PAY cards: In September, NJ TRANSIT expanded its “FARE-PAY” card to customers traveling all NJ TRANSIT buses statewide as well as the Newark Light Rail, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the River LINE systems. The reusable cards allow customers to purchase and store monthly passes, 10-trip bus tickets, or cash value on them, enjoying the convenience of tap-and-go.

• The new, reusable FARE-PAY fare cards make it easier for customers to travel the system by allowing them to register their card to protect their stored value from loss, manage their accounts online, view fare card activity and current value, auto-reload online, at ticket windows, TVMs, and at select retail locations. A credit/debit card is not required.

• New Bus Fare Box/Registers will be more efficient and improve the reliability of onboard fare collection. The new fare boxes will also accept additional bill denominations, providing customers with more flexibility in their payments.

• Train crews are using new mobile validation devices for scanning rail tickets. These devices are currently being piloted and will be deployed system-wide in the coming months, providing enhanced capabilities such as acceptance of the FARE-PAY card, which was not possible with the first generation of mobile validation devices.

• Ticket Vending Machines: Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) have been upgraded throughout the state to accept tap-and-go payments from credit/debit cards as well as sales of the new FARE-PAY cards.  The machines also have modern capabilities to accept mobile payment systems such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet.  This latest generation of TVMs also features additional display boards for customer information.

• Web Ticketing Platform: This platform enables customers to purchase rail tickets directly from their web browser and display or print the QR code without needing to download a mobile app. This provides electronic ticketing options to infrequent users of the system who may not have the mobile app installed.