Wondering about payment options for your NJ TRANSIT train ride? This is a common question for both locals and visitors exploring the Garden State. While you cannot directly pay with cash on NJ TRANSIT trains, you do have several convenient ways to use cash for your fare before boarding.
NJ TRANSIT offers a smart solution through their mobile app that bridges the gap between cash and digital ticketing. You can add cash to your NJ TRANSIT wallet at over 1,000 participating retailers including 7-Eleven, Walgreens, CVS, and Family Dollar. This innovative cash-to-mobile feature allows you to convert your cash directly to mobile tickets right on your smartphone.
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This system is part of NJ TRANSIT’s fare modernization program, making travel more accessible for everyone. You only need to ask the cashier to scan the barcode in your app and pay the amount you wish to add (minimum $10). The funds appear in your My Transit Wallet immediately, ready for you to purchase electronic tickets for your journey across New Jersey’s extensive transit network.
Purchasing NJ TRANSIT Tickets
NJ TRANSIT offers multiple ways to buy tickets for your journey across New Jersey. You can choose between traditional cash payments, credit cards, or convenient mobile options depending on what works best for your travel needs.
Fare Payment Methods
When riding NJ TRANSIT trains, you have several options for purchasing tickets. Ticket machines at stations accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards for one-way tickets, round-trip tickets, weekly passes, and monthly passes. These self-service kiosks are available at most train stations throughout New Jersey.
If you prefer buying tickets in person, you can visit NJ TRANSIT ticket windows at major stations where staff can assist with your purchase. Some participating retailers also sell NJ TRANSIT tickets throughout New Jersey.
For regular commuters, monthly and weekly passes offer significant savings compared to purchasing daily tickets. These passes can be loaded onto reusable cards for convenience.
Always keep your ticket handy as conductors check fares during your journey. Riding without a valid ticket may result in paying an additional onboard surcharge or penalty fare.
Mobile App and Cash-to-Mobile Feature
The NJ TRANSIT Mobile App transforms your smartphone into a ticket machine. Available on both Apple App Store and Google Play, this app lets you purchase and display mobile tickets directly on your device.
The app accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal for ticket purchases. You can buy any ticket type available at stations, including one-way, round-trip, weekly, and monthly passes.
For cash-preferring travelers, NJ TRANSIT offers an innovative cash-to-mobile feature through the app. This allows you to add money to your MyTransit Wallet by paying cash at over 1,000 participating retailers like 7-Eleven, Walgreens, CVS, and Family Dollar.
To use this feature, tap ‘Payment Methods’ on the More screen, select ‘My Transit Wallet,’ then tap ‘Find Payment Locations‘ to locate nearby retailers. Once you’ve loaded cash, you can purchase electronic tickets instantly without needing a credit card.
Mobile tickets activate with a simple tap when you’re ready to board, showing animated validation screens that conductors recognize as legitimate fare payment.
Using Cash on NJ TRANSIT Trains
While you can’t use physical cash directly on NJ TRANSIT trains, several convenient alternatives exist for cash-paying customers. These options ensure everyone can access public transportation regardless of whether they have a credit card or bank account.
Options for Cash Payment
If you prefer paying with cash, you have multiple ways to purchase NJ TRANSIT tickets. The NJ TRANSIT Mobile App offers a special “Cash in App” feature allowing you to convert cash to digital balances. Through this service, you can visit more than 1,000 participating retailers across New Jersey, including 7-Eleven, Walgreens, CVS, and Family Dollar.
To use this service:
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- Download the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App
- Select the option to add value to “My Transit Wallet”
- Visit a participating retailer with cash
- Ask the cashier to scan your app’s barcode
- Pay the desired amount (minimum $10)
You’ll receive an email receipt confirming your deposit, and the funds will appear in your app wallet. This convenient option is part of NJ TRANSIT’s fare modernization efforts to reduce cash handling on trains and buses while maintaining accessibility for all riders.