NJ TRANSIT showcases fare modernization with new FARE-PAY cards, high-tech gates, and expanded payment options
NJ TRANSIT unveiled a series of high-tech fare modernization initiatives on Thursday at Secaucus Junction, highlighting new tools and technology designed to make travel more seamless, efficient, and secure for riders.
The demonstration featured upgrades that include advanced 3D fare gates, reloadable FARE-PAY cards, expanded mobile payment options, and modernized ticket vending machines, all part of the agency’s commitment to improving the customer experience through innovation.
“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.”
During the event, NJ TRANSIT staff showcased several key features of the modernization program:
- High-tech fare gates equipped with 3D sensors and imaging technology will be installed at Secaucus Junction and Newark Liberty International Airport Station. The nearly 8-foot-tall gates are designed to enhance security and protect revenue through advanced detection capabilities.
- FARE-PAY cards, NJ TRANSIT’s reusable fare card, are now available systemwide for all buses and light rail systems, including the Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and River LINE. The cards allow customers to store passes or cash value, auto-reload online, and tap to pay across the network.
- New bus fare boxes will improve onboard reliability and flexibility, accepting a wider range of bill denominations and offering faster transactions.
- Mobile validation devices are being piloted by train crews to scan rail tickets and soon will support the FARE-PAY card, offering enhanced functionality compared to earlier systems.
- Upgraded Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) across the state now accept tap-and-go credit or debit payments, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet, while also enabling customers to purchase and reload FARE-PAY cards. The new machines include improved information display screens.
- The Web Ticketing Platform (webtickets.njtransit.com) provides riders the ability to purchase and print electronic rail tickets directly from a web browser without using the mobile app, offering flexibility for infrequent users.
The modernization program is part of NJ TRANSIT’s broader technology strategy to enhance rider convenience and support growing demand for contactless, digital travel options.
With the new upgrades, officials say the system is entering “a new era of accessibility and efficiency” for public transit customers statewide.
