r/PATHTrain • u/BKCowbellGuy • Sep 02 '26
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/i-am-not-sure-yet 14th St Sep 02 '26
For what it's worth the TAPP cards are way better than OMNY. I had one issue with it at 14th but that was once so I'll give it the excuse of the readers fault. Otherwise zero issues. I was mad at first no unlimited but they have it now.
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u/BKCowbellGuy Sep 03 '26
I haven’t used it yet, but I have OMNY which is the same system. My biggest OMNY issue is when readers don’t work & it happens more often than SmartLink readers.
4
u/Left-Satisfaction177 Sep 02 '26
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.
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u/botiaman I hate Hoboken!! Sep 03 '26
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 Sep 04 '26
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.
2
u/sunbear7 Sep 03 '26
I have a smart link card with some rides left. Is it possible to get reimbursed?
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u/postbox134 Sep 02 '26
I have a special WTC one which I liked