Apple Pay users can now make use of Apple Pay Express Transit mode on some London tube and bus routes since early last week.
MacRumors reports many of its readers have been able to make use of the Apple Pay feature. So far, the London Underground hasn’t yet been added to the list of where you can use Apple Pay Express Transit mode on Apple’s website.
One user reported that Express Transit mode works on Transport for London’s U5 bus route between Hayes and Uxbridge, as well as at the Ealing Broadway and Farringdon stations serving the London Underground and National Rail. However, not all stations are supporting the feature, so the rollout could be proceeding slowly, or this is early testing.
It should be noted that Transport for London has advised customers that Express Transit mode is “not currently an option” as recently as last Thursday. However, it says it is having “positive discussions with Apple” about enabling the feature.
Hi Alex,
We are having positive discussions with Apple about enabling express transit (on Apple devices) on the TfL network. Although not currently an option, more information about timing and plans will be made available at a future date.
Thanks, Tariq
— TfL (@TfL) November 21, 2019
With Express Transit mode enabled, you don’t have to validate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode when you pay for rides with Apple Pay on your iPhone and Apple Watch. And you don’t need to wake or unlock your device, or open an app.
To use Express Transit mode, your iPhone or Apple Watch must be turned on, but they don’t have to be connected to a network.
Apple Pay with Express Transit mode is officially available in New York City, Portland, Beijing, Shanghai, and where Suica is accepted in Japan.
