FAQ
To view questions and answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the PATH SmartLinkSM Card, select your topic of interest from the general categories listed immediately below. If you are interested in seeing all available PATH SmartLinkSM FAQs, simply scroll through the entire webpage.
More about the PATH SmartLinkSM Card
Available Products for the PATH SmartLinkSM Card: About Trips and Unlimited Passes
The PATH SmartLink CardSM Web site
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
SmartLinkSM Information for Transit or Commuter Benefits Participants
The PATH SmartLinkSM Card
1) What is the PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
The PATH SmartLinkSM Card is a durable, plastic card with an embedded computer chip that keeps track of the number of your available prepaid trips, as well as the number of days remaining on an Unlimited Pass. Trips and passes may be added to the Card at a PATH vending machine in any PATH station or online through a PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account. At PATH vending machines, you may purchase trips and/or an Unlimited Pass with a debit/ATM or credit card in addition to cash; only credit cards or credit/debit cards can be used to make purchases online. Since your SmartLinkSM Card is intended for long-term use, it will not expire like a QuickCard. Easy to use, convenient, and secure - the PATH SmartLinkSM Card is the smart way to go!
2) What are the Benefits of a PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
- Web Services - Provides automatic replenishment, one time replenishment and array of other time saving account management features.
- Lowest Fares - It provides you with the best discounts available per trip.
- Convenience - The SmartLinkSM Card is easy to use and easy to reload. There is no need to insert or swipe at a PATH turnstile or vending machine, the card never leaves your hand and gets you to your destination faster.
- Security - With registration, a free and optional service for your SmartLinkSM Card, your unused trips and/or days remaining on your Unlimited Pass will be replaced if your Card is ever lost, stolen, or damaged. (See SmartLinkSM Program Terms and Conditions for complete details and information.)
- Durability - Unlike QuickCards, which expire within six months, and MetroCards, which expire in one year, the SmartLinkSM Card is a refillable, plastic fare card designed for long-term use.
3) How do I get a PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
You may do any of the following to obtain a PATH SmartLinkSM Card:
- Visit the blue SmartLinkSM Card Dispensers at these PATH stations: Newark, World Trade Center, Journal Square, 33rd Street, Exchange Place, Pavonia/Newport, and Hoboken. 20-Trip SmartLinkSM Cards may be purchased at the newsstands in PATH major terminals (Newark, WTC, Journal Square, Hoboken and 33rd Street). Only cash is accepted as payment for the SmartLinkSM Card at the blue SmartLinkSM Card Dispensers.
- Purchase one online.
- Print and complete the downloadable mail-in request form. This form is also available at PATH from the brochure racks or from a Passenger Information Agent. If you would like to have the form mailed to you, please send an e-mail request to smartlinkservice@panynj.gov or call 1-800-234-PATH/7284 select option 4 for SmartLinkSM information.
PATH Patrons who are 65 years of age or older are eligible for the PATH Senior SmartLinkSM Card, which provides discounted fares. An online application or downloadable mail-in form must be submitted, and approved, to obtain a Senior Card. Those who are unable to complete or access the application form online may pick one up from the brochure racks or from a Passenger Information Agent at any PATH station. If you would like to have the form for the PATH Senior SmartLinkSM Card mailed to you, please send an e-mail request to smartlinkservice@panynj.gov or call 1-800-234-PATH/7284 select option 3 for Senior SmartLinkSM information.
4) Why is there a $5 charge for the SmartLinkSM Card?
The SmartLinkSM Card is intended for long-term use and is made of durable plastic with electronic components, including a computer chip. These components enable it to be used without insertion or swiping and provide the means for PATH to offer a variety of convenient and beneficial services to SmartLinkSM Card holders. The fee helps offset the cost of the card and these services - it is a standard industry practice for transit agencies to charge a fee for a smart card.
5) Is there a way I can get a receipt from the blue SmartLinkSM Dispensers?
Unfortunately, the blue SmartLinkSM Card Dispensers do not have the capability to provide a receipt. These machines only provide a basic function, which is to sell and dispense the SmartLinkSM Card - receipts are available when refilling your card at a PATH ticket vending machine for future purchases. If you purchase the SmartLinkSM card online, your credit card statement acts as a receipt for the card purchase.
More about the PATH SmartLinkSM Card
1) How should I care for my PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
Secure your SmartLinkSM Card as you would cash. Bending, twisting, or perforating the SmartLinkSM Card can damage it and cause it to malfunction. We recommend that you store your Card in a plastic holder designed for Smart Card use. If you do not have a holder please see a PIA (Passenger Information Agent) at any PATH station.
2) How does the PATH SmartLinkSM Card technology work?
The plastic, credit card-sized PATH SmartLinkSM Card uses radio frequency and "smart card" technology. When presented within one to two inches of the center of the circular target on the PATH turnstiles and vending machines, the target is able to communicate with the card to read and update the information it contains. No personal data is stored on the SmartLinkSM Card itself. This technology is used in transit systems around the world
3) Will my SmartLinkSM Card be demagnetized if I store or place it against the other cards in my wallet?
No. The electronics within the card are not susceptible to this type of damage.
4) Do I need to sign the back of my SmartLinkSM Card?
No. Signing the back of the Card is optional.
5) What is a "personalized" Card?
PATH Senior SmartLinkSM cardholders receive personalized cards. A personalized Card has the cardholder's name and photo printed on the back.
6) Is there an expiration date on the SmartLinkSM Card?
The trips that are loaded on to a SmartLinkSM Card do not expire and can be used as long as your card is valid for use and kept in good working condition.
7) Do you have a SmartLinkSM Card special discount for students or people with disabilities?
PATH does not offer such discounts.
SmartLinkSM Card Registration
1) Why should I register my PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
If you choose to use our free registration service for your SmartLinkSM Card and your card is lost, stolen or damaged you are eligible for the replacement of the trips/days remaining on the card at the time of notification to the SmartLinkSM Service Center. You may notify the SmartLinkSM Service Center by using the replacement card feature on the Web site or by calling the SmartLinkSM Service Center at 1-800-234-PATH/7284 and select option 4 for SmartLinkSM Information. Additionally, a $5.00 card replacement fee will be charged. See SmartLinkSM Program Terms and Conditions for more information.
Please Note: All Senior SmartLinkSM Cards are automatically registered. Also, any card(s) added or linked to a PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account must be registered – either before or at the time the card is added/linked to the account – in order for account holders to take advantage of card management options available through an online account.
2) How can I register my PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
The following are ways you may register your PATH SmartLinkSM Card(s):
- Select the "Register Card" option from the left-side menu of the PATH SmartLinkSM Web site homepage and complete the registration process online.
- If you create a PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account, any cards added or linked to the account must be registered. Your account will prompt you to register your card(s), or confirm registration, when adding/linking card(s) to your account.
- Print and complete a downloadable registration form. This form is also available at PATH stations - you may pick one up from the brochure holders or from a Passenger Information Agent. If you would like to have the form mailed to you, please send an e-mail request to smartlinkservice@panynj.gov or call 1-800-234-PATH/7284 and select option 4 for SmartLinkSM Information.
Please Note: All Senior SmartLinkSM Cards are automatically registered.
3) What if my PATH SmartLinkSM Card is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Registered SmartLinkSM cardholders should call us immediately at 1-800-234-PATH/7284 and follow the prompts for the PATH SmartLinkSM Card. We will explain the process of obtaining a new card and receiving the unused trips and/or days remaining from an Unlimited Pass (as recorded in our system at the time you notify us your card is lost, stolen, or damaged) stored on your original card. Please Note: A five-dollar ($5.00) fee will apply to all replacement SmartLinkSM Cards.
4) If I register my card, does PATH sell my personal information?
PATH respects the privacy of its customers and does not sell personal information. Please refer to the SmartLinkSM Program Terms and Conditions and the SmartLinkSM Web Site Privacy Statement.
Available Products for the PATH SmartLinkSM Card: About Trips and Unlimited Passes
1) What kind of fare products can I purchase for my PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
You may purchase trips and/or Unlimited Passes for your PATH SmartLinkSM Card.
A. Online
PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account holders have the option to purchase fare products online. As a SmartLinkSM Cardholder, you may select from a one-time or automatic replenishment of 10, 20, or 40 trips, or a 30-day Unlimited Pass.
Automatic Replenishment is a convenient service for those who prefer to have their SmartLinkSM Cards automatically filled with either 20 or 40 trips, or a 30-day Unlimited Pass, every time the card's balance reaches the preset threshold.
Senior SmartLinkSM Cardholders with a Web Account may purchase one-time replenishments of 10, 20, or 40 trips online. Senior Cardholders may also set up automatic replenishment through a Web account. Senior Cardholders may choose between 20 or 40 trips for the Automatic Replenishment service.
Please Note: Automatic Replenishment is only available to PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account holders.
B. Vending Machines
The following trip products and passes for your SmartLinkSM Card are also available for purchase at PATH vending machines within PATH stations: 1, 2, 4, 10, 20, and 40-trip packages as well as 1, 7, or 30-day unlimited use passes.
2) Does the PATH SmartLinkSM Card offer the same discounts as the PATH QuickCard?
Yes! The PATH SmartLinkSM Card replicates the current QuickCard pricing structure, including all discounts. In addition, the SmartLinkSM Card offers the unlimited pass options, and services, like Automatic Replenishment, unavailable with a QuickCard.
3) What are the benefits of the 30-day Unlimited Pass vs. Trip Products
The 30-day Unlimited Pass is good for 30 days of unlimited trips, expiring on the 30th day of use. A 30-day pass is more cost effective than multiple trips products if you make more than 43 trips per month.
Trips products - 10, 20, and 40 trip products are discounted at the rate of 25% off the full cash fare, and cost $1.30 per ride.
4) How do Unlimited Passes work?
Unlimited passes are available on the web in 30-day denomination and at the PATH vending machines in 1, 7, and 30-day denominations. Unlimited passes are non transferable but can be used to ride the PATH system as much as desired during the time period the pass is valid. However, they can only be used once at the same PATH station within an 18-minute period. If you have both an Unlimited Pass and trips on your SmartLinkSM Card, your Unlimited Pass will be used first; if the same card is tapped again at any turnstile in the same PATH station within 18 minutes, your pass cannot be used and a trip will be deducted instead.
The day the Unlimited Pass is first used to enter a PATH turnstile counts as the first day of use, or day #1. If you have a 1-day pass, you can anticipate that the pass will expire the next time it is - 12:00 AM, or midnight, after it is first used – not necessarily 24 hours from the pass' first use. Please keep this in mind when purchasing a 1-day Unlimited Pass.
The expiration date on any given pass indicates it will expire at the end of the day noted. For example, if your card has an Unlimited Pass with an expiration date of 08/04 or 08/04/08, it expires at the end of the day on August 4th.
5) Can I add both trips and passes to my PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
Yes, both trips and passes can be stored on your Card, but a pass will take priority over trips. We recommend that you use up your trips before adding a pass to your card.
As passes are meant for one person, they can only be used once at the same PATH station within an 18-minute period. If you have both an Unlimited - Pass and trips on your SmartLinkSM Card, your Unlimited - Pass will be used first; if the same Card is tapped again at any turnstile in the same PATH station within 18 minutes, your pass cannot be used and a trip will be deducted instead.
6) What is Automatic Replenishment for my PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
Automatic Replenishment is an optional automatic trip/pass replenishment service offered for your PATH SmartLinkSM Card. You must have a PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account to take advantage of the service.
7) How does Automatic Replenishment work?
- First you must create a Web account
- When setting up Automatic Replenishment, you will first select the "product" (20 or 40 trips, or 30-day Unlimited Pass) you want automatically loaded onto your PATH SmartLinkSM Card.
- Next, you must provide information from a valid credit/debit card, or select one of your stored payment options within your PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account, to be charged every time your SmartLinkSM Card is "automatically replenished" with trips or a pass.
- Every time your card's balance reaches five (5) remaining trips or five (5) remaining days your Card will be replenished with the product selected at setup. The credit/debit card that you entered or selected for the service will immediately be charged the appropriate amount each time an automatic replenishment occurs.
Please Note: It is highly recommended that you have no more than a single "product" remaining on your Card before establishing the Automatic Replenishment service.
8) When do the trips on my SmartLinkSM Card expire?
The trips that are loaded on to a SmartLinkSM Card do not expire and can be used as long as your card is valid for use and kept in good working condition.
9) Can I transfer the remaining trips on my QuickCard onto my SmartLinkSM Card?
No. Trips cannot be transferred from a QuickCard to a SmartLinkSM Card.
Using the SmartLinkSM Card
1) How do I use my PATH SmartLinkSM Card?
Our Web page on "How to Use a SmartLinkSM Card" provides a video tutorial, as well as a link to a downloadable and printable PDF, with instructions on how to use your card.
2) How do I ensure that no trips are deducted from my SmartLinkSM Card when I'm paying PATH fares using my QuickCard or MetroCard?
The read distance of the SmartLinkSM target is approximately 2 inches. As long as you keep the card away from the SmartLinkSM target on the top of the turnstile, no rides will be deducted.
3) Can trips be deducted from my SmartLinkSM Card by one of the new contact less credit cards or by something other than a PATH turnstile?
No. The PATH SmartLinkSM Card uses state-of-the-art encryption and authentication functions to ensure that only authorized devices can read and/or deduct trips from the card.
4) Can I use the SmartLinkSM Card on New York City Transit or New Jersey Transit?
No. The SmartLinkSM Card may only be used on the PATH system at this time.
5) Can I use the SmartLinkSM Card for more than one person?
Senior SmartLinkSM Cards may only be used by the registered Cardholder and can only be used once within 18 minutes at the same PATH station.
SmartLinkSM Cards containing trip products may be used by more than one person. After first use, simply present your card to the target again to allow the next person to enter. You may repeat the process until you have exhausted the trip balance on your card.
SmartLinkSM Cards containing Unlimited Passes are non transferable and can only be used once within 18 minutes at the same PATH station.
Please Note: If both an Unlimited Pass and trips are stored on a single SmartLinkSM Card, the Unlimited Pass will be used first; if the same card is tapped again at any turnstile in the same PATH station within 18 minutes, the pass cannot be used and a trip will be deducted instead.
6) Can I use my SmartLinkSM Card at every turnstile?
Yes. Every PATH turnstile is equipped with a SmartLinkSM target to enable it to accept SmartLinkSM Cards for fare payment. Likewise, there is a target on every PATH vending machine to support fare product reloads.
The PATH Senior SmartLinkSM
1) Who is eligible for a Senior SmartLinkSM Card?
PATH patrons 65 years of age and older are eligible for a Senior PATH SmartLinkSM Card.
2) What kind of discount is available with a Senior SmartLinkSM Card?
Senior Cardholders pay only $1.00 per trip to ride on PATH. The discount is exclusive to the Senior Cardholder, and the Card may not be used to pay for the trips of others.
3) How can I get a Senior SmartLinkSM Card Application Form?
You may obtain an application in the following ways:
- Access the application, and fill it out, online. Once all required fields of the online form have been filled, you must print the completed form, follow the additional instructions, and mail it in as directed.
- Print the downloadable Senior Application Form and complete it by hand. This form is also available at PATH stations - you may pick one up from the brochure racks or from a Passenger Information Agent. If you would like to have the form mailed to you, please send an e-mail request to smartlinkservice@panynj.gov or call 1-800-234-PATH/7284.
4) Do I need to register my Senior SmartLinkSM Card?
No. Each Senior SmartLinkSM Card is automatically registered when the Card is issued.
The PATH SmartLink CardSM Web site
1) What can I do on the PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web site?
The PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web site is the one-stop single resource for all information on the SmartLinkSM Card. Through the Web site, not only can you find many of the answers to your SmartLinkSM-related questions but also, you may purchase and/or register SmartLinkSM Card(s).
By creating a PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account, you will additionally be able to take advantage of the following online Card management options:
- Automatic Replenishment of fare products;
- Add Trips or Unlimited Passes through a One-Time Replenishment;
- View Card Transaction History;
- View Online Purchase History;
- Store and Edit Payment Options;
- And more!
2) What are the advantages of creating a PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account?
A PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account offers many great card management options unavailable to non-Web Account holders. For instance, those with a Web Account are able to sign up to SmartLink's convenient automatic replenishment service. Web account holders are able to purchase trips or Unlimited Passes, view your transaction history and keep track of your online purchases. These features are not available to those without Web Accounts.
Without a Web Account you are limited to purchasing new SmartLinkSM Cards, registering cards, and referencing the PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web site for purely information purposes - all of which can be done as a Web Account holder as well.
3) What can I do if I have any problems or issues with my PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account?
Please contact the SmartLinkSM Service Center with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your SmartLinkSM Card Web Account or other related issues. The Service Center can be reached via e-mail at smartlinkservice@panynj.gov or by phone at 1-800-234-PATH/7284 (Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST).
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
1) I purchased trips at a vending machine but the unused trip balance on my card didn't change. What happened?
When purchasing trips or an Unlimited Pass at a vending machine, you must place your PATH SmartLinkSM Card against the center of the SmartLinkSM target after selecting the product to be purchased and payment is completed. This system requires a second touch of your SmartLinkSM Card against the target to encode the trips or Unlimited Pass you purchased onto the Card. If you forget to present your SmartLinkSM Card a second time however, the PATH SmartLinkSM system has a special feature that will automatically deliver the trips or Unlimited Pass you purchased to your card in 24 hours.
To confirm that your purchase was handled properly by the PATH SmartLinkSM system, please call or e-mail the SmartLinkSM Service Center, and provide your SmartLinkSM Card serial number (printed on the back) and the date, time, station name, and vending machine number where you made the purchase.
2) Why does the PATH Ticket Vending Machine display "Remaining card balance: $0.00?"
The "remaining card balance" refers to the amount of stored dollar, or cash, value on your SmartLinkSM Card. Since the PATH system does not accept stored dollar value for fare payment, only the number of "Trips Left" and/or "Unlimited Pass" (with expiration date) noted on the screen are applicable to your card. It is best to check your card balance using a PATH vending machine or through a PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web Account.
SmartLinkSM Information for Transit or Commuter Benefits Participants
1) I am enrolled in a Transit/Commuter Benefits program through my employer. Where can I find more information on using these benefits toward PATH SmartLinkSM Card purchases?
Please click here to visit our webpage created exclusively for participants of transit/commuter benefits programs.
Other
1) I can't find the SmartLinkSM information I am looking for, or the answer to my question or concern, on the PATH SmartLinkSM Card Web site. What should I do?
Please contact the SmartLinkSM Service Center with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your SmartLinkSM Card, Web Account, or other related issues. The Service Center can be reached via e-mail at smartlinkservice@panynj.gov or by phone at 1-800-234-PATH/7284 (Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM EST).