October 31, 2005

PATH brings on 'smart cards,' subways maybe next

Since the New York City subway token was retired in 2003, subway and bus riders have been using a fare card, which sometimes requires an annoyingly deft swipe through the reader.

But the "please swipe again at this turnstile" phrase could pass into history as the MTA and the Port Authority are moving ahead with plans to start using a "smart" card with an embedded chip read by scanners after a single wave by riders, according to the Post.

Beginning in April, the cards will be phased in for PATH trains connecting Manhattan to New Jersey. "Then, the Port Authority, which runs the PATH system, has agreed to help the Metropolitan Transportation Authority install the new technology on city trains and buses," the Post reports.

Earlier: Fare hikes, smart cards in works for subways, trains
The fine art of subway card swiping

October 31, 2005 07:13 AM in Transportology

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