FARE OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING BUS ROUTES

The Program

Q:	What are contactless payments?
A:	Contactless payments allow you to pay your fare with a simple tap of your contactless credit/debit card or device on specially equipped contactless readers.
Q:	What kind of contactless devices can be used?
A:	Any American Express® ExpressPay™, Discover® Zip, MasterCard® PayPass™, Visa® payWave® or Google® Wallet™ contactless credit/debit card or device, which allows for payment with a tap. Contactless devices can take the form of a typical-looking credit/debit card or a tag for your keychain, or the capability can be part of a specially equipped mobile phone. Specially marked readers where you can use eligible cards and devices are available on Bus Route Nos. 6, 43, 80, 81, 87 and 120 (near the fare box), as well as at the Newark AirTrain Station (AirTrain access). These contactless devices are also accepted at the Ticket Vending Machines and ticket windows in New York Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Q:	What is Google Wallet?
A:	Google Wallet is a mobile app that will make your phone your wallet. It stores virtual versions of your existing plastic cards on your phone, along with your coupons, and eventually, loyalty and gift cards.
Q:	Where can I pay using Google Wallet?
A:	Currently, NJ TRANSIT accepts Google Wallet payments on NJ TRANSIT Bus Lines 6, 43, 80, 81 , 87, 120 and some 126 and at Newark AirTrain Station (at the entrance fare gates into the airport only). Google Wallet is also accepted at the Ticket Vending Machines and at ticket windows in New York Penn Station and at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Q:	How do I use my Google Wallet?
A:	For instructions on how to use your Google Wallet, go to the Google Wallet FAQ.
Q:	How do I get a contactless card?
A:	Call your bank to see if they offer your current card in a contactless version. If not, you may purchase a contactless card at the ReadyCARD kiosk at Hoboken Terminal or obtain one online at www.myreadycard.com. You may also call toll free 1-800-506-0630 and tell the customer service representative that you are participating in the NJ TRANSIT pilot program.
Q:	What ticket/pass types are included in the Program?
A:	Pay-As-You-Go, Monthly, Ten-Trip and Child fare options are available with this program and are supported through a Pay-As-You-Go or Pre-Fund option. For a full list of options, or to create your account, go to the Tap>Ride Fare Options tab above.
Q:	Which NJ TRANSIT bus lines and stations are included in the Program?
A:	NJ TRANSIT Bus lines: 6, 43, 80, 81, 87 and 120 and Newark AirTrain Station (at entrance fare gates into the airport only). In addition, some buses on the 126 route will have the contactless readers available. Contactless devices and Google Wallet are also accepted at the Ticket Vending Machines and ticket windows in New York Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Q:	Why can't I use my contactless card/device on every bus on the 126 line?
A:	The buses on the 126 line originate from 3 different garages. Because this is a pilot program, NJ TRANSIT has equipped the buses from only 1 of these garages with contactless readers. So, if you ride the 126 route the equipment may or may not be available.
Q:	If the equipment isn't on every bus on the 126 line, why include that route in the pilot?
A:	We could have excluded the 126 route from the pilot, but the ability to Tap and Ride is such a convenient way to travel on NJ TRANSIT that we wanted to offer the option to as many customers as possible during the pilot.
Q:	Can I pay for a transfer with my contactless card?
A:	No, transfers are not included in this program; however, you can pay for a transfer with cash.
Q:	Can anyone participate in the Program?
A:	Anyone who has an American Express® ExpressPay™, Discover® Zip, MasterCard® PayPass™, Visa® payWave® or Google® Wallet™ contactless card or device can participate. Call the number on the back of your card to find out if your bank-issued card or device is contactless.
Q:	Why should I register my card?
A:	Registering your card will allow you to track all of your rides online.
Q:	How do I register my card?
A:	Click on , then select Create Account & View Your Ride History and enter the required information.
Q:	I still have question about the Tap>Ride program. Where can I get help?
A:	Please call the NJ TRANSIT Customer Service Center at 973-275-5555. Operator assistance is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How It Works

Q:	How does the Tap>Ride system work?
A:	It's easy. Tap On/ Tap Off system. Just tap your contactless credit/debit card to the contactless symbol when you enter the bus and again when you exit the bus. The system will calculate your fare based on your entry and exit points. So by tapping off you are assured of being charged only for the zones you traveled.
Q:	How do I know if my card/device is working?
A:	When you tap your card, the following are possible reader responses: A green arrow means your fare has been approved. Welcome aboard! A red X means your card was not accepted and you must pay your fare using another payment method such as cash or a ticket. No response: It may be that your card is not contactless. Check with your financial institution.
Q:	Where do I tap my card?
A:	Simply tap your card on the contactless symbol .
Q:	Why do I have to Tap Off?
A:	Some of the bus lines included in the Tap>Ride program travel more than one zone. You will need to tap off so the system knows how many zones you traveled and can calculate the correct fare.
Q:	What if I do not tap off?
A:	You will be charged the maximum fare from your boarding location to the end of the route. It is important to tap off to ensure you do not pay more for your ride.
Q:	When I tap my contactless card, does it matter which way the card is facing?
A:	No. Either side of the card will work as long as the card is laid flat. The card needs to be about 1 inch from the card reader for a successful read. It can even be read through some wallets and plastic holders.
Q:	Can I use my contactless card or device to pay for my child?
A:	Yes, once you register your contactless card or device, you have the option of adding one child discount. Go to and select the Child Fare Option. You do not have to select a specific fare type for yourself; however once you enroll your child, your first tap will be charged as an adult ride and your second tap will be at the child fare rate.
Q:	How do I create an online transit account?
A:	Click on and follow the steps to create an online transit account. Once you've created your account you can log in any time to check your ride history, the status of your account and account balance.
Q:	How will the transactions appear on my monthly statement?
A:	All transactions, Monthly pass and Ten-Trip Ticket purchases or individual Pay-As-You-Go rides, will appear as a NJ TRANSIT charges on your credit or debit card statement.

Security & Your Payment Device

Q:	How safe are contactless payments?
A:	They're as safe as traditional payment card transactions, thanks to the latest security technology. The contactless card or device must be extremely close to the reader to be read, it never leaves your hand. Plus, with zero liability you are covered for any unauthorized transactions.
Q:	What happens if there are problems with my payment card or device?
A:	Please call the financial institution that issued your contactless card/device.