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NJ TRANSIT Expands Fare-Pay Card for All Bus and Light Rail Systems
Riders can now load monthly passes, 10-trip tickets, or cash value onto reusable cards with online account management.
September 19, 2025
FARE-PAY cards can be tapped at bus validators and light rail platforms, like the River LINE (pictured), offering riders reusable, reloadable access across NJ TRANSIT’s network.
Photo: NJ TRANSIT
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NJ TRANSIT's FARE-PAY card is now available to customers traveling on all NJ TRANSIT buses statewide, as well as on 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.
"With the expansion of FARE-PAY, we're making it easier for customers to purchase tickets and passes with greater flexibility," said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri. "It's part of our ongoing commitment to modernize and enhance the everyday experience for those who rely on NJ TRANSIT."
The card was piloted on a limited scale in April of this year at four bus park & rides (Willowbrook Mall (Wayne), Mothers (Wayne), Wayne Transit Center (Wayne), and Allwood Road (Clifton), and on the Newark Light Rail system. However, the fare card is now extended to all NJ TRANSIT bus routes across New Jersey and all three light rail systems.
How to Get and Use the New FARE-PAY Card
Beginning September 19, customers can purchase fare cards loaded with bus or light rail monthly passes at ticket vending machines (TVMs) or at bus ticket offices.
Beginning October 1, customers will be able to purchase new fare cards loaded with 10-trip bus tickets. Customers can tap their fare cards at the onboard validator while boarding their bus or at platform validating stations on the light rail systems. Select retail outlets will also carry physical cards for purchase.
The reusable cards can be registered to protect a customer's stored fare from loss, manage their accounts online, view fare card activity and current value, auto-reload, and other options.
According to an agency release, FARE-PAY cards are not yet available for use on rail. Purchasing a FARE-PAY card is optional, and customers can continue using the mobile app if desired.
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