NJ Transit showcased its fare-collection modernization efforts during an event at Secaucus Junction Station. The agency demonstrated these initiatives as the latest in its ongoing efforts to transform the customer experience through innovation and technology.
The new features were showcased at the event:
- New, high-tech fare gates with advanced 3D sensors and imaging technology, to be installed at Secaucus Junction and Newark Liberty Airport. The nearly 8-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 to enjoy 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 and 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 reliability of onboard fare collection. The new fare boxes will also accept additional bill denominations, providing customers with more flexibility in their payments.
- New mobile validation devices used by train crews for scanning rail tickets. These devices are currently being piloted and will be deployed systemwide in the coming months and will provide enhanced capabilities such as acceptance of the FARE-PAY card, which is 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 customer information display boards.
- Web Ticketing Platform (https://webtickets.njtransit.com/). This platform allows customers to purchase rail tickets from their web browser and display or print the QR code without having to download the mobile app. This provides electronic ticketing options to infrequent users of the system who may not have the mobile app installed.
“Our fare modernization program is focused on making every step of the customer journey more seamless, efficient and secure,” said NJ Transit President and 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.”
