By Lev D. Zilbermints
NEWARK – A week after “Local Talk” reported about a major malfunction, Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) are still not accepting credit/debit cards. While there is a solution to this problem, NJ Transit has been slow in implementing it.
Three purchasing attempts from TVMs, zero success.
On Monday, October 7, 2024, “Local Talk” witnessed at least three instances of commuters trying to purchase tickets from TVMs in the Newark Penn Station waiting room. In all three cases, commuters came up empty-handed. The TVMs in the waiting room are No. 0140, 0141 and 0142. They are located right at the end of the NJ Transit ticket agent windows, and opposite the passenger benches.
Last Monday, Sept.30, as reported by Local Talk, TVMs 0140 and 0142 did not take credit card/debit cards, while 0141 was completely broken. This week, an incremental progress, if it can be called that, was made. TVM 0141 was now taking cash, but not credit or debit cards.
“Local Talk” saw a Hispanic female commuter trying to purchase tickets from TVM 0140 using credit card. The commuter had no luck with her purchase attempt. She succeeded in finally purchasing tickets from NJ Transit Ticket Agent Window #4. These windows are manned by NJT agents who take cash. The card readers at these windows work better than the Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs).
Why? The reasons are explained later in this article.
A second, male commuter tried using TVM 0141. The man tried at least twice using his credit card in the pinpad. He fared no better than the first commuter. The TVM would take cash, but not credit or debit cards.
A third commuter tried TVM 0142. He fared no better than the first two commuters before him. “Local Talk” witnessed how the commuter realized the machine would not accept credit/debit cards, and left.
How the problem came to be.
There was a time when many transactions were done with cash or checks. Since the advent of credit cards in the 1950s, more business has been done via credit/debit cards. This is especially true of the 21st century, when most people do not carry large sums of money with them. Instead, most people rely on credit/debit cards, or plastic, in slang, to make purchases.
Newark Penn Station has at least five (5) automated teller machines (ATMs) where commuters can withdraw their money. That said, it is still a major departure from normal routine for a commuter to go to an ATM, withdraw cash, then buy tickets from the TVM. This fact alone demonstrates how much commuters at Newark Penn Station and other places depend on credit cards. As seen on September 30, if TVMs do not accept credit cards, it causes a major disruption for those commuters who use credit cards more often than cash.
Statement by NJ Transit about Ticket Vending Machines upgrades
NJ Transit states in its own, publicly available documents, that TVMs twice underwent upgrades, once in 2013 and again in 2020-2021. The second upgrade eliminated dollar coins, which were heavy and difficult to carry around. Instead, the TVMs now dispense paper money.
Below is a November 8, 2021 statement by NJ Transit about “the installation of 558 new, modernized ticket vending machines (TVMs) throughout the system.”
“NJ TRANSIT has completed the installation of 558 new, modernized ticket vending machines (TVMs) throughout the system, offering faster transaction times and contactless payment options.
“These new customer-friendly TVMs – now installed systemwide – represent just one aspect of a complete modernization of NJ TRANSIT’s entire fare collection system including new handheld mobile devices for train crews, new on-board bus validators, and many new mobile ticketing options,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “All of these methods include ‘contactless’ fare payment options, which have proven especially welcome and popular with customers returning to our system as we emerge from the pandemic.”
NJ TRANSIT customers now can purchase tickets using contactless cards and mobile wallet applications and will no longer need to insert debit/credit cards into the machine. The machines also have improved functionality, with faster printers and new displays providing customers with important travel information and advisories. An overhead display will provide rail customers with travel information about arriving and departing trains at their station.
The new TVMs have improved features making them quicker and easier for customers to use, are easier for people with disabilities to use, and include audible as well as visual instructions. The height of the TVMs have also been adjusted to accommodate customers with mobility challenges.
This is just one phase of NJ TRANSIT’s larger Fare Modernization program which also includes new onboard ticket validators on buses, handheld validators for train crews and a future new NJ TRANSIT fare card, providing additional payment methods for customers to utilize.
Possible Solution to the Ticket Vending Machine Malfunction
Returning to Newark Penn Station in the evening on October 7, “Local Talk” attempted to purchase tickets at TVM 0138. At this point it was found that if the credit card was held to the card reader device in the center of the TVM, access would be granted to the pinpad. At that point, the commuter had to enter his or her pin number. The credit card would be charged and the tickets would be disbursed in the tray below.
“Local Talk” attempted to purchase tickets by using this method. When the credit/debit card is held in front of the card reader device, three miniature green lights flash. Access is granted to the pinpad. After entering the pin for the credit card, “Local Talk” was able to purchase tickets.
Unanswered Questions
There are a number of unanswered questions. First of all, why is NJ Transit taking so long to resolve such a simple matter as having Ticket Vending Machines repaired? All it takes is a phone call, an email or a text message. A week has passed, and what has been done?
Second, if the credit card reader allows commuters easy access to pinpad, why is NJ Transit not doing a major public relations campaign on social media and their own website? Why not put up flyers explaining how the credit card reader device in the center of the Ticket Vending Machine can help commuters pay their bill?
NJ Transit should do everything in its power to better inform the public of the need to use credit card reader devices in the Ticket Vending Machine’s center.
