A new type of fare-beater is becoming a money-sapping problem for NJ Transit, using a half-price ticket to which they're not entitled, claims the head of a conductor's union.

The union boss took the extraordinary step of asking NJ Transit's Board of Directors to halt vending machine sales of senior citizen and disabled passengers discount tickets.

Stephen J. Burkert, general chairman of SMART-Transportation Division Local 60, argues that those sharply-discounted tickets should only be sold by agents or conductors.

"Our crews report that 25 to 30 percent of all tickets collected are reduced fare tickets ," he said. "I have people in their 30's giving conductors senior tickets and the disabled program is even more abused by passengers. ... We are not allowed to ask for ID.

"This is a lot of money being scammed or outright stolen by passengers who know how to play the system simply by using a ticket vending machine," he said.

But NJ Transit contradicted Burkert, saying that reduced fare tickets account for only 10 percent of total fares.

"Train crews are allowed to inspect identification for customers presenting a reduced fare ticket," said Lisa Torbic, an NJ Transit spokeswoman. "Violators of the reduced fare policy may be asked to pay the appropriate fare."

If they refuse to pay the higher fare, they have to "exit the train at the next stop," Torbic said.

But Burkert claims that NJ Transit put out a special bulletin to crews about five years ago "forbidding us from asking (for ID). So nobody exits the train at the next station stop."

Passengers who use senior and disabled tickets can save significant money, paying $7.65 instead of the regular $16.75 New York to Trenton fare, Burkert said.

The discount is available to senior citizens age 62 and older, and to riders with disabilities. Passengers are supposed to show an NJ Transit reduced fare card, a driver's license or other proof of age with their fare, according to the agency's website.

A passenger applying for a reduced fare card for a disability has to provide medical proof from a physician to qualify. NJ Transit also honors reduced fare cards issued by the Port Authority, New York's MTA, Medicaid cards and other documents that show a passenger's age.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.