SmartLink (smart card)

Infobox electronic payment

name= SmartLink
location= New York City metropolitan area
launched= July 2, 2007
service_1= PATH
sales_location_1= Stations
sales_location_2= Online
sales_location_3= Telephone
currency= USD
stored_value= 1, 2, 4, 11, 20 trips
credit_expiry= none
maximum_credit= $53
automatic_recharge= refill
unlimited_use= refill
variant_1= Senior SmartLink
variant_2=
variant_3=
technology_1= RFID
operator=
manager= Port Authority
homepage= http://pathsmartlink.info/

SmartLink is a Radio Frequency Identification Chip enabled credit card sized smartcard that can be used as a fare payment method on the PATH transit system in New Jersey and New York City. It is designed to eventually replace the current PATH farecard, QuickCard, and there are plans to expand its usage throughout most transit agencies in the tri-state area. [cite web | last =Dickstein | first =Max | title = New PATH Train Fare Card May Someday Replace MetroCard | publisher =The Columbia Journalist | date =2006-02-21 | url =http://www.columbiajournalist.org/deadline/2005/article.asp?subj=city&course=deadline&id=705 | accessdate =2007-02-14] The SmartLink card has been available to the public beginning July 2, 2007.

Features

One of the aims of the SmartLink card is to incorporate features deemed impossible on its paper equivalent, the QuickCard.

Registration

All SmartLink cards are eligible for online registration. [http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/pdfs/SmartLink_Brochure.pdf SmartLink brochure] "PATH' Retrieved 2007-12-29] In order to register a card, one must simply go to PATH's registration page [ [http://panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/smartlink/?action=full&step=personal Full fare card registration] "PATH" Retrieved 2007-12-29] 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. [http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/smartlink_faq.html SmartLink frequently asked questions] "PATH" Retrieved 2007-12-29] 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.

ales

SmartLink cards are available in 3-trip and 20-trip denominations only at World Trade Center station along with 10-trip SmartLink cards. [http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/smartlink/sales.html SmartLink sales] "PATH" Retrieved 2007-12-29] All other terminals only sell the 10-trip card. However, ticket machines at all stations are able to refill SmartLink cards to any normal monetary amount.

Fares

Although PATH states that the SmartLink card replicates the current fare structure, the card actually alters the structure slightly. Although the actual fare is the same, when buying a SmartLink card for the first time, an additional $5 is levied upon the user in order to offset the cost of producing the card. When buying a card the following fare structure is in effect (note that only 10 and 20-trip card and the card w/o any fare value are available at this time; PATH plans to allow purchases of all denominations soon):

Data is current as of March 2008.

The cards can be refilled in specified numbers of trips. When refilling, the regular fare is used and the $5 surcharge is not imposed.

Testing phase

The initial testing phase was delayed several times due to software problems. It was originally intended to start in August 2006 and then was postponed to October 2006. Continuing problems moved the testing phase to Senior SmartCards to February 2007.

Roll-out

Beginning July 2, 2007, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) commenced the initial roll out of the SmartLink card to the general public at the World Trade Center station. On July 23, 2007 the card was introduced at the 33rd Street station. On August 6, 2007 the card was introduced at the Hoboken station. During the initial roll out, the cost of the card was $29 which included the 20 ride fare of $24 plus a $5 charge for the card. Paper forms are available online which can be completed and mailed in for the purposes of registration. In February 2008 the cards were formally rolled out to the general public at all stations. In the initial stage, the SmartLink card allowed riders to place the same value on it as if they were purchasing a QuickCard by using machines located in PATH stations. In June 2008, PATH inaugurated an online web account system allowing a cardholder to register the card and monitor its usage. It also allows for an automatic replenishment (linked to a credit card) when the card balance gets to 5 trips or 5 remaining days, depending on the type of trips on the card. The present automatic replenishment amounts are: 20 Trips - $26.00, 40 trips - $52.00, and 30 day unlimited - $54.00.

Expansion

The Port Authority, part of several transit systems in the New York-New Jersey region, is hoping that one day there will be a universal fare card for the region's transportation. However, estimates for expanding the SmartLink card to the New York City Subway and buses may cost as high as $300 million. Estimates for adding New Jersey Transit would cost an additional $100 million. [cite news | last =McGeehan | first =Patrick | title =New at PATH Stations: Wave, Don't Swipe | publisher =The New York Times | date =2006-02-21 | url =http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/21/nyregion/21fare.html?ex=1183694400&en=72e7c3a470d64fd8&ei=5070 | accessdate =2007-07-04]

ee also

* MetroCard
* Octopus card
* Oyster card
* SmarTrip
* Charlie Card
* Chicago Card

References

External links

* [http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/smartlink.html The PATH SmartLink Card]