The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) have begun accepting Apple Pay with Express Transit Mode, according to local transport agencies.
“Today marks an exciting step forward in making public transit in San Diego more seamless and convenient,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Council member. “Whether you’re heading to a Padres game, a concert, or simply commuting to your next destination, paying with Apple Pay empowers riders to hop onboard faster.”
Apple Pay Express Transit allows tap-and-go payment at ticket barriers, eliminating the need for users to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. The device does not need to be wakened or unlocked to use Express Transit.
Users can change which payment method they’d like to use with Express Mode at any time, and once a user has selected which debit or credit card in Apple Wallet that they’d like to use with Express Mode, they can simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near an enabled PRONTO validator to ride.
Power reserve on iPhone enables customers to still use their device to pay and ride transit even if their device needs a charge.
Additionally, fares paid via Apple Pay are eligible for free transfers during the two-hour period on most modes after the first boarding time. Each passenger will be required to pay their fare with a unique Apple device, as each device can only be used for one rider at a time.
All SDMTS buses and trolleys, along with NCTD COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE and FLEX will now accept Express Transit payment.
