The Reduce Fare PATH SmartLink Card
Reduced Fare Programs
Learn more about programs that reduces the fare for customers meeting specific qualifications.
I am an existing Senior SmartLink Cardholder. Can I use TAPP?
If you wish to use your own personal contactless debit or credit card on the TAPP system to pay the senior fare, you must complete this Form to Transfer PATH Senior SmartLink Card to TAPP Open Payment.
IMPORTANT: For your application to be approved to use your own personal contactless credit/debit card or device, you must have a registered TAPP Customer Account and must add the personal contactless debit or credit card to be used for senior fare payment to your TAPP Customer Account.
What are the Reduced Fare Programs?
There are two reduced fare programs: Senior Fare and Riders with Disabilities.
What does the Reduced Fare Program offer?
Customers enrolled in a Reduced Fare Program are eligible to pay the Reduced Fare., equal to half of PATH's full fare. PATH Fares website
Who is eligible for the Reduced Fare Program?
The Senior Fare Reduced Fare Program and Riders with Disabilities Reduced Fare Program each have their own eligibility requirements.
Senior Fare Reduced Fare Program
- Age 65 years of age or older
Specific documentation to verify eligibility is required and is specified in the application.
Riders with Disabilities Reduced Fare Program
One of the following qualifying disabilities:
- Blind or Visually Impaired
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Ambulatory Disability/Loss of Extremities
- Cognitive Disability
- Severe Mental Illness
- Other Physical Disability
Specific documentation to verify eligibility is required and is specified in the application.
How can I apply for the Senior Fare Reduced Fare Program or the Riders with Disabilities Reduced Fare Program?
There are three ways to apply for either Reduced Fare Program. Regardless of method used, all documentation to verify eligibility is required and is specified in the application.
- By mail:
- Obtain an application from a station agent or download the form you need:
- PATH Riders with Disabilities Reduced Fare Application
- PATH Senior Reduced Fare Application
- Complete application and gather the documents you need.
- Mail completed application and documents to: PATH Reduced Fare Program, One PATH Plaza - 1st Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306
- In-person at the Reduced Fare Application Center at Journal Square:
- Gather the documents you need and ensure the application is filled out in its entirety.
- Apply in person at the PATH Reduced Fare Application Center, located on the concourse level of PATH's Journal Square Station, 1 PATH Plaza, Jersey City, NJ 07306.
- Appointments are recommended but not required. Schedule an appointment at panynj.gov/PATH_RFApplication. Alternatively, you may call PATH TAPP Customer Service at 1-800-234-PATH (7284) to schedule an in-person appointment to submit the application in person.
- In person at any PATH Station:
- Schedule an appointment if you prefer to meet in a PATH Station. To schedule an appointment, use this link: panynj.gov/PATH_RFApplication.
- Call PATH TAPP Customer Service at 1-800-234-PATH (7284) and follow the prompts to TAPP to schedule an in-person appointment to submit the application in person.
How does the Reduced Fare Program work?
When tapping at a turnstile, your preferred travel card will be charged the discounted Reduced Fare instead of the standard Full Fare.
Approved Reduced Fare Program applicants can choose to either receive a physical Reduced Fare Program card on which funds or products can be loaded, or to enroll a single contactless debit/credit card or smart device with a digital wallet to pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) at PATH turnstiles. Digital wallets include but are not limited to Apple Pay, Google Wallet, etc. For more information on accepted contactless cards and digital wallets, please visit https://www.tappandride.com/how-tapp-works.
Regardless of preferred media choice, the initial use of the card is charged the reduced fare and each subsequent use of the card at the same turnstile within a 5-minute period is debited at the full fare.
After applying, when will I be notified if I have been accepted into the Senior Fare Reduced Fare Program or the Riders with Disabilities Reduced Fare Program?
It is our goal to process applications within two to four weeks from receipt, if not sooner. The processing time is dependent upon the number of applications received and if the applications are submitted with complete and accurate information. Physicians will be contacted to verify certification details. Reduced Fare application processing time may be extended if your physician does not reply to PATH in a timely manner.
I receive Medicaid benefits. Do I qualify for the Senior Fare Reduced Fare Program or the Riders with Disabilities Reduced Fare Program?
If you are a person with a qualifying disability, you should apply for Riders with Disabilities Reduced Fare Program.
If you are 65 years of age or older, you should apply for the Senior Fare Reduced Fare Program.
Medicaid benefit recipients who do not have a qualifying disability or are not 65 years of age or older, do not qualify for our Reduced Fare Programs.
What does PATH do with the information provided as part of the application process for the Reduced Fare Program?
The information you provide in the Reduced Fare application will be kept strictly confidential and will be used for the sole purpose of determining your Reduced Fare eligibility and, if approved, creating your PATH Reduced Fare record. To learn more about our privacy practices, please refer to our Privacy Polices at TAPPandRide.com or PATHSmartLinkCard.com.
What types of documentation is needed to apply for the Reduced Fare for Riders with Disability Program?
When applying by mail, the following documents are required:
- Completed application form (Section A)
- Your signed affirmation, notarized by a Notary Public (Section B)
- Certification of disability - supporting documentation as described in Section A Instructions OR physician-signed Disability Certification (Section C)
- A photocopy of your valid state ID, driver's license, or passport
- A recent, color photo (1.5" x 2") with your full name printed on the back as described in SECTION A
When applying at the Reduced Fare Application Center or at a PATH Station, the following documents are required. Your photo will be taken during your visit.
- Completed application form (Section A)
- Your signed affirmation, notary not required (Section B)
- Certification of disability - supporting documentation as described in Section A Instructions OR physician-signed Disability Certification (Section C)
- Your valid state ID, driver's license, or passport
I have other questions regarding the Reduced Fare Program, how can I receive assistance?
If you have any questions regarding the application, or require assistance, please contact a PATH representative by calling 1-800-234-7284 (PATH) or by emailing [email protected].
Please note that, by enrolling in the PATH Reduced Fare Program, you agree to our Terms of Service available on our website at TAPPandRide.com or PATHSmartLinkCard.com.