Still waiting for 'Smart Cards'

Still waiting for 'Smart Cards'
Combined PATH/Metrocard will reach public by end of 2007
December 17, 2006

By Michael D. Mullins

The Port Authority's long awaited "Smart Card," which will eventually enable commuters to have one card for metropolitan area subway, bus, and rail lines, is scheduled to be released to the general public by the end of 2007.

This announcement comes after some confusion due to the fact that the old machines in the PATH stations that sold moneysaving multi-trip PATH cards were removed earlier this year, and replaced with Smart Card/Metrocard machines - but no Smart Cards to use in them.

In addition, a 2004 Port Authority press release stated, "The Port Authority already has begun to install new PATH turnstiles that accept New York City Transit Metrocards in addition to PATH Quick Cards and will accept Smart Cards by June of 2005."

According to Port Authority spokesman Marc LaVorgna, the machines and turnstiles at the PATH stations throughout the tri-state area have, indeed, been able to accept the Smart Cards since the date suggested in the release - but the cards themselves were never intended to be available to the public until later.

Certain senior citizens will get the cards sooner. Seniors age 65 and above who have registered for their discounted cards will receive theirs early next year, due to a pilot program in which select seniors and over 1,000 Port Authority employees have participated since the end of 2005.

What it is

The Smart Card will eventually replace the PATH's Quick Card, which since November of 2003 has been gradually phased out through the removal of distribution machines from all PATH stations. The Quick Cards are still available at vendors in the area and at New Jersey Transit machines.

Right now, buying a 20-trip Quick Card saves money for commuters, because it works out to $1.20 per PATH ride instead of the standard $1.50. However, those who still use New York's Metrocards in the PATH still have to pay $1.50.

To find out which vendors in your area sell the moneysaving multi-trip Quick Cards, log onto http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/fares.html#vendors

According to LaVorgna, the Quick Card's discounts will still apply and will be carried over to the Smart Card when they become available.

The process and the benefits

The Port Authority has spent approximately $73 million so far installing vending machines and turnstiles in its PATH stations that can accept the Smart Card.

In time, the Smart Card will also be introduced in the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and by NJ Transit.

One of the most appealing features of the new Smart Cards is that they can be read at a turnstile by simply waving the card in front of a scanner, causing many to consider it the EZ Pass of pedestrian commuters.

Each Smart Card contains a microchip which allows for a contact-less transaction between a commuter and the machine.

However, this convenience has prompted some to fear a potential risk with regards to identity theft. In order to be scanned without physical contact, the Smart Cards rely on Radio Frequency Identification Technology, which some privacy advocates say can allow for an individual's personal information to be stolen with the use of a scanning device.

When asked about this possibility, LaVorgna said that the only information contained within the Smart Card machines is the card user's name and the amount of money on the card.

LaVorgna said that people can purchase the cards with cash or money orders if they do not want to use their credit cards.

The only exception to this is with seniors who want the discount, which will allow them to pay only $1 per trip. They must register with the Port Authority to receive it.

Michael Mullins can be reached at mmullins@hudsonreporter.com