Pour one out for the ancient MetroCard and its equally old cousin, the PATH SmartLink card.

The beginning of the end for these longtime ways to pay fares on the bi-state PATH system came Thursday when PATH rolled out its new Total Access PATH Payment or TAPP fare card , which will replace the MetroCard and SmartLink when they are retired on Dec. 31.

The TAPP card allows customers to load cash on it to pay fares. They are available in all stations and for online purchase as of Thursday. TAPP cards cost $5, but riders who register their card online at www.TAPPandRide.com will receive a $5 travel credit on PATH.

New TAPP vending machines are now available at the Journal Square and 33rd Street stations. Existing SmartLink Card dispensing machines were retrofitted to sell TAPP cards at a

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