SmartLink (smart card)
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| Location | New York City metropolitan area |
|---|---|
| Launched | July 2, 2007 |
| Technology | |
| Manager | Port Authority of New York and New Jersey |
| Currency | USD ($294 (140 trips @ $2.10) maximum load) |
| Stored-value | 1, 10, 20, 40 trips, 1, 7, 30 day unlimited rides |
| Credit expiry | none |
| Auto recharge | refill |
| Unlimited use | refill |
| Validity | |
| Retailed |
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| Variants |
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| Website | http://pathsmartlink.info/ |
SmartLink is a RFID-enabled credit card-sized smartcard that can be used as a fare payment method on the PATH transit system in Newark and Hudson County in New Jersey and Manhattan in New York City. It was designed to replace PATH's paper-based farecard, QuickCard, and there are plans to expand its usage throughout most transit agencies in the tri-state area. The SmartLink card has been available to the public since July 2, 2007. Although the MetroCard used in the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) can also be used on the PATH, the reverse is not true for SmartLink, as it cannot be used when riding in the MTA.
All SmartLink cards are eligible for online registration. In order to register a card, one must simply go to PATH's registration page and complete a form detailing the card holder's name, the unique serial code of the SmartLink card, and address. An account holder's information can be accessed online or by calling the SmartLink hotline. Money from lost cards can be transferred to a replacement card if the customer has an account; however, all replacement cards carry a $5 fee.
Registration of the card also permits the holder to monitor its usage and to link the SmartLink card to a credit card in the automatic replenishment program. When the card balance drops to five trips (or five days, for riders with an unlimited pass), the SmartLink card is topped up using the credit card on the account. This program can be managed online, on the PATH website.
Pre-loaded SmartLink cards are available in 10 trip at all stations for $26.00 (10 trips $2.10 plus a $5.00 card fee. However, MetroCard Vending Machines (MVMs) at all stations are able to refill the SmartLink cards to a monetary amount equal to 1, 2, 4, 10, 20 and 40 trips as well as the daily or 30 day unlimited passes.
$5.00 SmartLink Cards with 0 trips, ready for charging at any PATH MetroCard Vending Machine, are available from vending machines at selected stations (33rd Street, Hoboken, Journal Square, Exchange Place, Newport and World Trade Center).
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