Apple has expanded its convenient transit payment feature to work in more areas across the country. Commuters in twelve major locations, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, can now use Apple Pay to easily board trains and buses. The tech company designed this new update so everyday riders can completely avoid buying paper tickets or using physical cash while trying to navigate busy public transportation networks.
The express mode lets you pay without unlocking the phone
One of the biggest improvements is how quickly you can get through the turnstiles. The company includes a special express setting inside the digital wallet app. When you select a specific payment card for this feature, it automatically handles the fare the moment you tap your device near the gate reader. You do not even have to look at the screen to use Face ID or type in a passcode.
This specific feature works on newer smartphones and smartwatches. Interestingly, it continues to function for up to five hours even after the battery dies. The system just relies on a low power reserve to make sure you do not get stranded during your commute home.
Different cities require specific cards or offer weekly fare limits
While the basic tapping feature is standard, the exact requirements change depending on your location. Some areas let you tap a regular credit or debit card directly. Other places, like Chicago, require you to load a digital version of its Ventra card into the wallet app first.
Certain transit networks also include helpful fare limits to save you money. For example, the subway system in New York automatically caps the amount you spend at $35 per week. Once you reach that exact limit, the transit system simply stops charging your account, giving you free rides for the rest of the seven-day period.
