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ICYMI: PATH Train to Phase Out SmartLink Cards Starting 9/1

Source: Hoboken Girl · Aug 5, 2026, 12:18 PM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

ICYMI: PATH Train to Phase Out SmartLink Cards Starting 9/1 news image

The PORT Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) transit system is discontinuing its SmartLink card payment system and transitioning riders to the new TAPP Card platform beginning September 1.

This digital shift aligns with the broader modernization efforts across transit systems nationwide. The change affects commuters throughout New Jersey who rely on PATH service, particularly those traveling between Hudson County and Manhattan.

Riders will need to switch to the TAPP Card system to continue using the transit network, marking a significant update to how fares are paid on the regional rail line.

Key points

  • PATH is phasing out SmartLink cards effective September 1 as part of system modernization
  • The new TAPP Card system represents a shift to digital payment methods for PATH riders
  • This change impacts New Jersey commuters in Hudson County and surrounding areas who use PATH for regional transit
  • The transition is part of a broader digital transformation of the PATH transit infrastructure

FAQ

When will SmartLink cards stop working on PATH?
SmartLink cards will be phased out starting September 1. Riders need to transition to the TAPP Card system before this date to continue using PATH service without interruption.
What is the TAPP Card and how do I get one?
The TAPP Card is PATH's new digital payment system replacing SmartLink cards. The PORT Authority has established the TAPP Card system as part of modernizing the transit network to align with digital payment trends.
Who does this change affect?
This change affects all PATH riders throughout New Jersey and New York, particularly commuters in Hudson County communities like Hoboken and Jersey City who use PATH for their daily transit needs.

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