Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you all for making our test of the open payment system possible. We hope you will find answers to all your questions about the conclusion of the project and how it affects your PATCO Wave & Pay ANYWHERE Visa® Prepaid Card.

PATCO Open Payment Program Conclusion

What was the PATCO open payment program?

The PATCO open payment program was a partnership between PATCO and Cubic Transportation Systems to test ”open payment,” which is the ability for transit riders to pay for transit fares and retail purchases with a single card. This was the first open payment system in the nation to incorporate a transit agency-branded, all contactless prepaid card.  This card provided ALL riders with the opportunity to experience the convenience and security of a contactless, Visa®-branded card. The PATCO Open Payment Program also provided valuable technical information on the best practices for deploying and operating future contactless payment systems in other transportation systems.

Why is the PATCO open payment program ending?

The open payment program was only intended to last for a year. It began September 26, 2011.

What were the results of the PATCO open payment program?

The PATCO open payment program provided valuable technical information on the best practices for deploying and operating future contactless payment systems in other transportation systems. The objective was to test an open payment account-based product and determine if people would use the same media as both their fare card and their retail spending card, and both objectives were successfully achieved.

“We were pleased to be able to partner with Cubic and Visa on this groundbreaking program,” said Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) CEO and PATCO President John J. Matheussen. “Our riders embraced the PATCO Wave & Pay ANYWHERE Visa Prepaid Card and I witnessed how it was able to speed riders through our stations. I’m honored that Cubic chose PATCO for this program and believe that the information gained here will serve as the foundation for transit payment systems well into the future."

Can I still use my PATCO Wave & Pay ANYWHERE Visa® Prepaid Card?

As of October 21, 2012, your Wave & Pay ANYWHERE Card is no longer valid for fare payment on PATCO. For retail purchases, the card program is ending on February 4, 2013. Until then, you will be able to use your card for retail purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Credit balance refund checks will be issued on March 4, 2013, to Wave & Pay cardholders who have funds remaining on their cards after Feb. 4.

Can I load money onto my Wave & Pay ANYWHERE card after October 20?

You can load money at any of the thousands of retailers that provide Visa ReadyLink loads until January 4, 2013. Find the ReadyLink Merchant closest to you by visiting http://usa.visa.com/locators/readylink-locations.jsp. 

What happens to the Transit Benefits I loaded to my card?

Please visit the Freedom Card Services Center so that your Transit Benefits can be transferred to your existing FREEDOM Card or to a new FREEDOM Card which you can obtain at the Services Center.

Can I still use bill pay?

You will not be able to use your Wave & Pay Card for PATCO fares after October 20. All other Wave & Pay Card features, such as online bill pay, are still available until further notice.

Will PATCO be using open payment systems in the future?

Open payment systems will likely be the future of transit payments. The information obtained through the year-long open payment program will be invaluable in creating those future payment systems.

Can I use my other contactless bank debit or credit cards at PATCO gates after Oct 20?

No. Contactless Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express cards are no longer accepted at PATCO gates after October 20. PATCO’s contactless FREEDOM Card will continue to be accepted.

If I can’t use Wave & Pay or other debit or credit cards, what are my other PATCO transit payment options?

PATCO riders will still be able to use the FREEDOM Card, PATCO’s contactless smart card that has been in use since 2007 in the smart card system designed and integrated by Cubic. The FREEDOM card can be purchased at any PATCO vending machine with cash, debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express). The FREEDOM card works for both trains and parking.

Can I transfer my funds from Wave & Pay Card to the FREEDOM Card?

Yes, you can use your Wave & Pay card at the PATCO ticket vending machines to purchase a FREEDOM Card or add value to your existing FREEDOM Card with the funds on your Wave & Pay card, if the balance on the Wave & Pay card is at least $20. If the balance is less than $20, you can still use your card for retail purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. 

What if I want to close my account and my card still has funds on it?

The cardholder can contact Bancorp at the telephone number on the back of their card and request a check for the remaining balance on their card. No fee will be charged.

Where can I go if I have more questions?

For questions about payment on PATCO, contact PATCO at (877) 373-6777.

Who is Cubic Transportation Systems?

Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc., is a business segment of Cubic Corporation (NYSE:CUB) and the leading integrator of payment and information technology and services for intelligent travel solutions.