Ride NJ Transit bus and light rail?
What to know about new fare cards
By: Colleen Wilson
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... NJ Transit's new fare cards is expanding for use across the system's bus and light rail networks.
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"With the expansion of FARE-PAY, we're making it easier for customers to purchase tickets and passes with greatest flexibility," said NJ Transit president and CEO Kris Kolluri. It's part of our ongoing commitment to modernize and enhance the everyday experience for those who rely on NJ Transit."
..... The card can hold 10-trip tickets, monthly passes and a balance of between $5 and $500 for one-trip rides. Customers can purchases fare cards and load them with monthly passes, and beginning October 1, [2025] customers can load the cards with 10-trip bus tickets.
..... In April, [2025] NJ Transit began to pilot the fare card on Newark Light Rail and at four bus park and rides in Wayne and Clifton.
..... More than 1,800 cards were sued during the pilot.
..... Fare cards can be obtained at ticket offices the Port authority Bus Terminal, Old Bridge, Lakewood, Atlantic City and Walter Rand Transpiration Center and from ticket vending machines throughout the state. Information on the TVMS are available on NJ Transit's website.
..... At those locations, fare cards will be free for a limited time.
.... Customers can also purchase the new fare card for $5 at select retailers, including Walgreens, 7-Elven, CVS, Stop & Shop, Acme and Kings/ A list of the exact retailers location's is not available because it is the discretion of the individual shop whether or not to sell the cards.
..... A credit or Debit card is not required to load the cards; cash can be sued to load the card with a balance or monthly passes and 10-trip tickets.
Where can I use the fare card?
..... Fare cards can be used on all buses and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Newark Light Rail and the River Line.
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Rail and Access link customers cannot yet sue fare cards for those services.
..... The way it works is hat the card can be tapped on the on-board bus validation or at platform stations for the light rail system. For those using the card for a single trip, customers tell the bus driver where they are going - as they currently do when paying cash on-board - to ensure the right amount is deducted.
Should I register my card?
..... There are several reasons to register the card and cerate an account.
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Customers can track the card's activity, current value, sue an auto-load feature and add money using the customer portal, which is especially useful if the card is lost or stolen. through that portal, customers can also register their card so it knows to deduct at the senior/disabled rates, which is necessary when tapping for light rail service.
..... Multiple cards can be added to one account.
..... More information and an FAQ can be found on NJ Transit's website.