Apple Pay’s Express Transit Mode Working in Parts of London Underground
While not yet reflected on Apple’s website, Apple Pay’s Express Transit mode has been functional on at least some tube and bus routes in London since last Tuesday or so, according to multiple MacRumors readers.
One reader said the 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. Not all stations support Express Transit mode yet, so this could be early testing.
Despite this, Transport for London has advised customers that Express Transit mode is “not currently an option” as recently as Thursday, although it said it is having “positive discussions with Apple” about enabling the feature. Apple and Transport for London did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Express Transit mode eliminates the need for users to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode or even wake their device when they pay for rides with Apple Pay. Simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader until you feel a vibration and payment has been completed.
Apple Pay with Express Transit mode is also available in New York City, Portland, Beijing, Shanghai, and where Suica is accepted in Japan.
