New York and New Jersey transit authorities are testing out smart cards on their subway systems
Three government authorities in New York and New Jersey recently launched a test program for smart cards in public transportation, according to a report from Government Technology.
MasterCard provided its PayPass smart card system to New York state’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New Jersey Transit system, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to see if the smart card technology could replace the area’s MetroCard system. The new technology will allow passengers to pay for their transportation at subway and bus stops by quickly tapping their credit cards on a scanning machine. The organizations were attracted to the technology because it can reduce the cost of producing MetroCards.
Officials familiar with the program explained that the potential fiscal benefits attracted all three public transportation organizations. Kevin Ortiz, spokesman for the MTA, told Government Technology that "this is a new technology that’s really going to speed up the process. This is the first time that you have three different transportation systems teaming up."
MasterCard funded the test program in an effort to introduce its PayPass program to different markets. The credit card company’s smart card technology has already been implemented in gas stations, convenience stores, and stadiums.
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