Metrocard's Compatibility With Nj Transit Buses Explored

If you're travelling in New York and New Jersey, you might be wondering if your MetroCard will work on NJ Transit buses. The short answer is no – you can't use your MetroCard on NJ Transit buses. However, you can use a pay-per-ride MetroCard on the PATH train, which operates between New Jersey and New York. It's worth noting that OMNY also doesn't work on NJ Transit buses, but you can use it on MTA buses and the subway. So, if you're travelling between New York and New Jersey, you'll need to use different payment methods for each system.

Pay-per-ride MetroCards can be used on the PATH train

If you're commuting between New York and New Jersey, you might be wondering about the best way to pay for your travel. While the MetroCard is a popular option for those travelling solely within New York, it is not always clear whether it can be used on the PATH train or NJ Transit buses.

The good news is that Pay-per-ride MetroCards can be used on the PATH train. This is a convenient option for those who need to take the PATH train occasionally but don't want to purchase a separate card. However, it's important to note that the 7-day or 30-day unlimited ride MetroCards are not valid on the PATH train. If you have an unlimited ride MetroCard, you can add a pay-per-ride balance to it, which the PATH train will deduct from when you travel.

For those who commute regularly between New York and New Jersey, the SmartLink card is a good option. This card offers a discount on PATH train fares when you buy rides in bulk. While the SmartLink card is only valid on the PATH train, it can be a cost-effective choice for frequent travellers.

In addition, NJ Transit has recently introduced the Tap & Ride feature, which allows commuters to pay adult one-way fares using contactless payment cards on most buses and any light rail line. This new functionality speeds up boarding and reduces the need for cash transactions. However, this feature is not available when pre-boarding at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

So, if you're travelling between New York and New Jersey, you have a few options for payment. The Pay-per-ride MetroCard is a convenient choice for occasional travellers, while the SmartLink card may be more cost-effective for frequent commuters. Additionally, the Tap & Ride feature on NJ Transit offers a seamless and secure way to pay with a contactless payment card.

MetroCards cannot be used on NJ Transit buses

NJ Transit buses require a ticket to be purchased before boarding, or you can pay the exact fare in cash on the bus. Tickets can be bought in several ways: at a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM), from a Commissioned Ticket Agent (CTA), or via the NJ Transit app.

If you are travelling from New York City into New Jersey, you can use a MetroCard on the PATH train, which operates between New York and New Jersey. However, this is not valid for any NJ Transit services.

If you are travelling from Union City into New York City, you will likely be using an NJ Transit bus, which does not accept MetroCards.

You can also use a pay-per-ride MetroCard on the PATH train, which runs from Jersey City, Hoboken, and Newark into New York.

The NJ Transit app can be used to buy digital tickets

The NJ Transit App

The NJ Transit app is a convenient way to buy and display bus, train, and light rail tickets and passes. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play, offering a range of features to enhance your travel experience.

Buying Digital Tickets

With the NJ Transit app, you can purchase digital tickets for bus, train, and light rail travel. The app supports various payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, credit and debit cards, and prepaid cards. You can also use commuter benefit cards, such as MasterCard or Visa, to pay for your tickets.

MyTransit Wallet

The app introduces the MyTransit Wallet feature, allowing you to store cash value for ticket purchases. You can add funds to your wallet by paying cash at participating retail locations, including 7-Eleven, Walgreens, and CVS Pharmacy stores across New Jersey.

Alerts and Notifications

The NJ Transit app keeps you informed with alerts and notifications about your trips. You can set up notifications to receive updates on service disruptions and changes to your registered trips. Additionally, the app provides real-time information on bus and train status, allowing you to track the location of your bus or train.

Trip Planning

The app offers a Trip Planner feature, enabling you to plan your journey by entering your origin and destination. It also provides schedules for trains, buses, and light rail services, making it easier to navigate your travel options.

Additional Features

The NJ Transit app includes other useful features such as "How Full is My Ride?" which provides color-coded indicators to show the volume of passengers on your bus or train. You can also favorite bus stops and train stations for quick access, and the app supports purchasing tickets for friends and family traveling with you.

In summary, the NJ Transit app is a comprehensive tool that enables users to purchase digital tickets, stay informed about their trips, and access various features to enhance their travel experience.

The Hudson Go Pass is a monthly pass for bus, light rail, and NY Waterway travel

• Bus 156R: Fort Lee – Cliffside Park – Edgewater – Weehawken – NYC
• Bus 158: Fort Lee – Edgewater – Weehawken – NYC
• Bus 159R (2-zones only): Fort Lee – Edgewater – Weehawken – NYC
• Hudson-Bergen Light Rail: Bayonne – Jersey City – Hoboken – Weehawken – Union City – North Bergen

The Hudson Go Pass can be purchased as a monthly pass or a 10-trip ticket. The monthly pass costs $280 for Midtown West 39th Street and $400 for Lower Manhattan. The 10-trip ticket costs $85 for Midtown and $130 for Lower Manhattan. The Hudson Go Pass can be purchased at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines at Hudson/Bergen Light Rail stations and the Port Imperial Ferry Terminal, as well as at NJ TRANSIT's ticket windows and vending machines at the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Hoboken Terminal.

The Hudson Go Pass is a great option for commuters who want to avoid delays and enjoy a seamless travel experience.

Now, to answer your initial query, a MetroCard cannot be used on any NJ Transit trains or buses. However, you can use the Pay Per Ride MetroCard on the PATH train.

Senior citizens, customers with disabilities, and military personnel can travel at a reduced fare

Senior citizens aged 62 and above can enjoy discounted fares on all NJ Transit buses, trains, and light rail vehicles. On interstate private buses, senior citizens are required to present a Reduced Fare Coupon each time they ride. Seniors may be asked to present a valid ID to get the reduced fare. Allowable IDs include any ID or document printed with the passenger's date of birth and issued by a government, social service, or mass transportation agency. This includes an NJ Transit Reduced Fare ID, Medicare Card, Valid Driver's License, Valid Passport, Birth Certificate, Valid State-Issued Non-Driver's ID, County, Medicaid, or Military ID, MTA Reduced Fare Card, PATH Senior Fare Card, or PA Senior Citizen Transit ID or PACE Card. Seniors can apply for a personalised NJ Transit Reduced Fare ID/Card online or at most local banks, savings and loan associations, or county Offices on Aging.

Passengers with disabilities can also enjoy discounted fares on all NJ Transit buses, trains, and light rail vehicles. They simply need to show their valid NJ Transit Reduced Fare ID or Medicare Card to the bus operator, light rail vehicle operator, or train conductor and present the appropriate fare. Personal assistants ride for free when proper identification is presented by the person with a disability. Passengers with disabilities can apply for a personalised NJ Transit Reduced Fare ID/Card by having a physician or certifying agency complete and return an application to NJ Transit.

Military personnel and their dependents are also eligible for discounted fares on NJ Transit services. Eligible military personnel includes Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard, and those with official "Retired" status from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard. They can obtain the discounted fare by presenting their valid military or military-dependent ID cards when purchasing their ticket. Veterans with service-connected disabilities can present a valid Veterans Affairs (VA) digital identification card which indicates "service connected" to use the one-way reduced ticket option.

Frequently asked questions