After many years of purchasing physical cards, PATH riders can now use TAPP to access trains. TAPP is a contactless payment form, allowing for tickets to be purchased through Apple Pay or a card with just a tap of a phone.
TAPP stands for “Total Access PATH Payment,” and is similar to MTA’s OMNY system. Customers can pay the PATH fare through the digital wallets on their phones, which can be conveniently accessed by double-clicking on the power button. Before TAPP, the PATH only accepted Metrocards or the Smartlink card. Metrocards cost one dollar per purchase, plus $2.75 per ride. Balance can be added to the card in person at a Metrocard machine until the expiration date. On the other hand, Smartlink cards can be ordered online and refilled online. The card has to be bought at $50 minimum with prepaid trips, whereas the Metrocard can be purchased as low as $3.75. In the long run, the Smartlink is cheaper per ride and does not expire, making it the preferred choice for frequent commuters.
The first rounds of testing for the TAPP system started at the PATH station on 33rd Street, with the other in Journal Square. This was implemented in December 2023 with hopes of increasing customer convenience. The system appears to be going well so far, meaning more TAPP systems should appear in all PATH stations. Smartlink and Metrocards can still be used shortly afterward to help ease the transition. The entire process is being done by Cubic, the same firm that created Smartlink, Metrocard, and OMNY. In 2021, Port Authority signed a $100 million contract with Cubic.
While TAPP follows the same concept as OMNY, the two are different, as the implementation of OMNY outside New York borders would take years. A spokesperson for Port Authority commented, “Given the MTA’s pending phase-out of the Metrocard—accepted across the PATH system—the Port Authority made it a priority to have a tap-and-go payment system installed as soon as possible. For cost-efficiency and timeline certainty, we contracted directly with the same technology provider that OMNY uses, Cubic, which will also make it easier to address future maintenance issues.”
In recent news, OMNY will also be used for the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport’s AirTrain. The AirTrain allows for transportation to JFK International using the Subway. The efficacy of the AirTrain has been questioned for years, as it was inconvenient for many to purchase Metrocards, and then load the card with almost $12 to travel. With OMNY, more people will be able to access the AirTrain and significantly reduce the time they spend on travel.
With new advances in technology, TAPP and OMNY are two systems that are designed to reduce barriers to transportation, making traveling quicker and easier. Paying by phone has become increasingly popular, and paves the way for more emphasis on online banking. However, it is also worth noting that there are potential drawbacks, especially with individuals who do not own Apple Pay or any form of debit or credit card.
