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    1. Technology
    2. Fare Collection

    NJ Transit introduces bus validators, scanners on select bus routes

    June 7, 2019
    This pilot program is the first step towards the future acceptance of contactless payments on buses.
    Related To: New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit)

    New Jersey Transit customers on select bus routes are getting the first look at the future of fare payment technology. As part of a pilot program that began Thursday, June 6, customers on several NJ Transit  bus routes will be the first to use a new onboard ticket validation system, which scans the barcodes on NJ Transit paper tickets and mobile tickets. This pilot program is the first step towards the future acceptance of contactless payments on buses. 

    “We anticipate this technology will set the stage for the future use of new fare cards as well as open contactless payments through credit and debit cards giving our customers more flexibility and convenience when paying exact fares,” said NJ Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “This is a very exciting development for bus customers.” 

    Customers traveling on Bus Routes Nos. 871, 872, 873, 874, 875 and 880, which operate out of NJ Transit's Morris Garage, will be a part of the pilot program. 

    During this initial phase, customers can scan the barcode on paper or mobile tickets or passes when boarding. As customers board the bus, a validator located near the operator will display a “Welcome’’ message. The ticket or pass must be presented face up so the barcode can be scanned. Valid tickets or passes will display a green indicator with “Have A Nice Trip’’ featured.  

    This is yet another example of a series of recent digital advancements in fare collection, including the launch of Access Link’s online cashless payment application, EZ Wallet, and the handheld scanner pilot conducted onboard NJ Transit trains to automate fare collection and share real-time service information with crew members. 

    The innovative NJ Transit Access Link Online allows for cashless, electronic fare payment through EZ-Wallet for those reserving Access Link services. The service went live on May 9 and more than 53,000 customers can now use this customer-friendly upgrade to make reservations, communicate with staff, and pay fares. Previously, customers had to make reservations via phone and pay fares, with exact amount, to the driver.