N.J. Transit expands contactless ticketing system
Riders can now simply wave or tap their credit or debit cards on twice as many bus routes, including buses traveling to different zones in the system.
New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) expanded its "contactless" payment system to three additional bus routes. Riders can now simply wave or tap their credit or debit cards on twice as many routes, including buses traveling to different zones in the system.
This new payment system is now available on buses covering six different routes, including travel into New York with payments based on distance or "zones" travelled as part of the program.
ACS, A Xerox Company, and NJ Transit first launched a three-route pilot in 2010. The system eliminates the need for waiting in line at ticket machines and counters, allowing riders to pay and board faster.
ACS installed the system and will maintain and service all card readers, terminals and equipment, as well as host the payment platform to process transactions. ACS also handles financial management for this project.
NJ Transit is also evaluating using a unique payment system for their customers with disabilities. They will be working with a select number of riders to demonstrate the viability of a rubberized wristband with an embedded contactless payment chip. These customers can wave or tap their PayPass-enabled wristband at bus readers and airport faregates for convenient access, eliminating the need to handle a card or device such as a key fob to pay for their fares.
Also, at Penn Station in New York City, NJ Transit riders can now pay with a wave or tap of their card at ticket vending machines and ticket windows. NJ Transit also plans to work with ACS to expand this payment option at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Contactless cards will continue to be accepted at faregates at the Newark Liberty International Airport and three bus routes (6, 80, 87), as well as the three new routes (43, 81, 120).
More Bus

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year
Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.
Read More →
DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO
Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Read More →
AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders
The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.
Read More →
Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →
June LA Metro Ridership Surges 2 Million Year Over Year
Total June ridership increased for both weekdays and weekends. Weekday ridership was 953,820, which grew 8.4% from June 2025; Saturdays increased nearly 13% year-over-year to 708,826; and Sundays increased 7.7% to 611,534 from June 2025, according to LA Metro.
Read More →
Washington's Pierce Transit Board Sends Transit Funding Measure to November Ballot
With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within the agency’s service area.
Read More →
New York Unveils Sweeping Plan to Modernize City Bus Service
Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service identifies 50 priority bus corridors for improvements across the five boroughs and launches the City’s next generation of rapid bus service along five key routes.
Read More →
CTDOT Taps STV for Electric Bus Facility Design
The firm will work with CTDOT and RVT to define the facility layout, operational requirements, and long-term flexibility for RVT’s growing electric fleet.
Read More →
Ford to Leave JTA After More Than 10 Years as CEO
He plans to continue his work advancing innovative mobility solutions to improve the quality of life in communities across the nation. He did not announce specific plans.
Read More →