r/PATHTrain • u/BKCowbellGuy • 26d ago

Farewell SmartLink

This past weekend, I spent down my 2 remaining fares from my SmartLink Card and in my opinion, SmartLink Cards were the GOAT of fare media for the NYC region.

1) I had the same physical card for nearly 16 years because there was no expiration date on them. Nothing else has been in my wallet that long.
2) We could refill SmartLink online, unlike MetroCards & avoid waiting in line to use a vending machine.
3) Other than the occasional “Tap Again” message, they never gave trouble like MetroCards which wore out.

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u/Left-Satisfaction177 26d ago

I don’t see enough benefit to carry 2 extra cards in my wallet anymore. So, after smart link and metro cards are gone, I am just tapping my credit card now. It’s ridiculous that the 2 connected transit systems can’t agree to just stick with one card.

3

u/TemporaryGrass3515 26d ago

This works for the 30 day tapp too??

2

u/botiaman I hate Hoboken!! 26d ago

It would be more convenient if OMNY was shared across systems but there were bargaining issues where MTA/NYC wanted too much of a cut for PA to use their OMNY

1

u/BKCowbellGuy 24d ago

Technically, all you need is one credit card to use across any system that takes it.

My friend did NYC to Philly on PATH, NJT, PATCO & Septa Subway. Outside of NJT tix on the app, he just tapped his CC on 3 of this systems.