Google Wallet expands to tap-and-pay ticketing with NJ Transit partnership

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) is expanding its fast-growing Google Wallet mobile commerce platform to transportation ticketing, partnering with the state of New Jersey to enable tap-and-pay rail and bus transit purchases at select locations.

Formally launched last month, the Near Field Communications-based Google Wallet enables consumers to make purchases and collect or redeem offers by tapping their Nexus S smartphone against a corresponding point-of-sale reader. NJ Transit is the first public transportation agency to announce support for Google Wallet--commuters may leverage the application to buy tickets at New York Penn Station ticket vending machines and ticket windows as well as Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station (AirTrain). NJ Transit will also offer Google Wallet ticketing on bus routes 6, 43, 80, 81, 87 and 120, and on some buses on the 126 line. 

The NJ Transit system supports more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. NJ Transit adds that its public-private partnership with Google was developed at no cost to the agency. 

Since announcing Google Wallet in late May, Google has indicated plans to expand the service to boarding passes, event tickets, ID cards and keys. For now, only PayPass-enabled Citi MasterCards may be loaded to Google Wallet--consumers also may fund the Google Prepaid Card with any existing payment card. Debit cards are not eligible for Google Wallet at this time.

Earlier this week, Google Wallet expanded beyond point-of-sale purchases at MasterCard PayPass-enabled merchant terminals by introducing support for SingleTap, which enables consumers to redeem coupons and/or earn rewards points with one tap of their Android smartphone. Google Wallet users can now enter select U.S. retailer partners including American Eagle Outfitters, The Container Store, Foot Locker, Guess, Jamba Juice, Macy's, OfficeMax and Toys"R"Us to instantly save on in-store offers--no paper coupons or loyalty cards necessary. In addition, Google Wallet's Featured Offers tab now boasts exclusive discounts from American Eagle, The Container Store, Macy's and Jamba Juice.

Google adds that Chevron, D'Agostino, Faber News Now, Gristedes Supermarkets and Pinkberry are presently working to equip their stores to accept Google Wallet transactions.

For more:
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