Apple is reportedly working closely with London’s transport network (TfL) to enable Apple Pay Express Transit. The feature allows riders to pay their fare without waking or unlocking their devices, and without being required to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID.
“We are having positive discussions with Apple about enabling express transit on Apple devices on the TfL network,” a TfL spokesperson said in a statement given to The Verge. “More information about timing and plans will be available at a future date.”
TfL’s Twitter account also confirmed that the company is “working closely with Apple to allow the benefits of this update to be introduced on London’s transport network in the coming months.”
While Apple Pay can already be used to pay for transit fares on London’s transport network, they must first authenticate the transaction using Face ID, Touch ID, or by entering their passcode.
Express Transit mode can be used on iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, or iPhone 6s Plus or later, and Apple Watch Series 1 and 2 or later. Owners of iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR can also use Express Transit in power reserve mode, which is available for up to five hours when an iPhone needs to be charged.
Express Transit debuted alongside the release of iOS 12.3 earlier this month. A handful of city transit systems already support the feature, including Beijing, Shanghai, Portland, and New York City. Express Transit also works for Suica cards in Japan.
(Via MacRumors)