SmartLink (smart card)
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| SmartLink | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | New York City metropolitan area |
| Launched | July 2, 2007 |
| Technology | RFID |
| Manager | Port Authority |
| Currency | USD ($53 maximum load) |
| Stored-value | 1, 2, 4, 11, 20 trips |
| Credit expiry | none |
| Auto recharge | refill |
| Unlimited use | refill |
| Validity | PATH |
| Retailed | Stations |
| Online | |
| Telephone | |
| Variants | Senior SmartLink |
| Website | http://pathsmartlink.info/ |
SmartLink is a Radio Frequency Identification Chip enabled credit card sized smartcard that can be used as a fare payment method on the PATH transit system in New Jersey and New York City. It is designed to eventually replace the current PATH farecard, QuickCard, and there are plans to expand its usage throughout most transit agencies in the tri-state area.[1] The SmartLink card has been available to the public beginning July 2, 2007.
Contents |
[edit] Features
One of the aims of the SmartLink card is to incorporate features deemed impossible on its paper equivalent, the QuickCard.
[edit] Registration
All SmartLink cards are eligible for online registration.[2] In order to register a card, one must simply go to PATH's registration page[3] and complete a form detailing the card holder's name, the unique serial code of the SmartLink card, and address. An account holder's information can be accessed online or by calling the SmartLink hotline.[4] Money from lost cards can be transferred to a replacement card if the customer has an account; however, all replacement cards carry a $5 fee.[4]
[edit] Sales
SmartLink cards are available in 3-trip and 20-trip denominations only at World Trade Center station along with 10-trip SmartLink cards.[5] All other terminals only sell the 10-trip card.[5] However, ticket machines at all stations are able to refill SmartLink cards to any normal monetary amount.[2]
[edit] Fares
Although PATH states that the SmartLink card replicates the current fare structure, the card actually alters the structure slightly. Although the actual fare is the same, when buying a SmartLink card for the first time, an additional $5 is levied upon the user in order to offset the cost of producing the card. When buying a card the following fare structure is in effect (note that only 10 and 20-trip card and the card w/o any fare value are available at this time; PATH plans to allow purchases of all denominations soon):
| Trips | Regular fare | Card surcharge |
Total fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card Only | $5 | $5.00 | |
| 10-trip | $13 | $18 | |
| 20-trip | $26 | $31 |
Data is current as of March 2008.
The cards can be refilled in specified numbers of trips. When refilling, the regular fare is used and the $5 surcharge is not imposed.
[edit] Testing phase
The initial testing phase was delayed several times due to software problems. It was originally intended to start in August 2006 and then was postponed to October 2006. Continuing problems moved the testing phase to Senior SmartCards to February 2007.
[edit] Roll-out
Beginning July 2, 2007, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) commenced the initial roll out of the SmartLink card to the general public at the World Trade Center station. On July 23, 2007 the card was introduced at the 33rd Street station. On August 6, 2007 the card was introduced at the Hoboken station. During the initial roll out, the cost of the card was $29 which included the 20 ride fare of $24 plus a $5 charge for the card. Paper forms are available online which can be completed and mailed in for the purposes of registration. In February 2008 the cards were formally rolled out to the general public at all stations. In the initial stage, the SmartLink card will allow riders to place the same value on it as if they were purchasing a QuickCard by using machines located in PATH stations. A later stage will allow the rider to register the card to be automatically be refilled if the value on the card reaches a pre-set minimum.
[edit] Expansion
The Port Authority, part of several transit systems in the New York-New Jersey region, is hoping that one day there will be a universal fare card for the region's transportation. However, estimates for expanding the SmartLink card to the New York City Subway and buses may cost as high as $300 million. Estimates for adding New Jersey Transit would cost an additional $100 million.[6]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Dickstein, Max (2006-02-21). New PATH Train Fare Card May Someday Replace MetroCard. The Columbia Journalist. Retrieved on 2007-02-14.
- ^ a b SmartLink brochure PATH' Retrieved 2007-12-29
- ^ Full fare card registration PATH Retrieved 2007-12-29
- ^ a b SmartLink frequently asked questions PATH Retrieved 2007-12-29
- ^ a b SmartLink sales PATH Retrieved 2007-12-29
- ^ McGeehan, Patrick. "New at PATH Stations: Wave, Don't Swipe", The New York Times, 2006-02-21. Retrieved on 2007-07-04.
