In a bid to enhance urban mobility and streamline public transportation, Tallinn and Kyiv, two innovation-oriented European capitals have introduced Apple Pay Express Mode service in their public transport.
Apple Pay Express Mode is an innovative feature integrated into Apple devices, such as iPhones and Apple Watches. It leverages Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable contactless payments at supported transit networks. Express Mode allows paying with just one touch without having to unlock the device or wake it up from sleep mode by simply holding the device close to the designated payment terminal.
This technology is set to transform the way people navigate bustling cities, providing seamless and convenient access to public transportation systems. With Apple Pay Express Mode, commuters now experience faster and more efficient travel while enjoying the benefits of contactless payment methods.
Benefits of Apple Pay Express Mode:
- Seamless and Convenient Travel: Apple Pay Express Mode eliminates the need for physical tickets or cash, streamlining the boarding process and reducing waiting times for commuters.
- Enhanced Efficiency: With faster boarding, public transportation services can operate more efficiently, leading to improved service reliability and reduced congestion.
- Contactless Payment: Express Mode’s contactless payment technology not only saves time but also promotes hygienic practices
- Increased Adoption of Public Transportation: The convenience of using Apple devices for transit payments is likely to encourage more individuals to opt for public transportation, ultimately reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
How to use Apple Pay Express Mode as a passenger?
To activate the contactless payment feature, follow these steps:
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone and select the card you want to link to Express Transit.
- Press the “More” button (three dots), and then select the “Card details” option.
- Select “Express Transit Settings”.
- Select the desired credit or debit card to use in Express Transit.
After successfully setting up Express Transit, passengers will be able to pay for public transportation using their iPhone or Apple Watch. Even if the device is low on power, they will have access to a backup power function that will allow them to use Express Transit for up to five hours after the device is discharged.
Is Apple Pay Express Mode safe and secure?
One of the key benefits of the new feature is that credit or debit card information added to Apple Wallet is never shared with Apple or stored on its servers. This means that personal financial information remains exclusively with the owner of the device and is not subject to processing by third-party services.
In addition, if the owner loses his iPhone or Apple Watch, he can immediately use the Find My feature to protect his data. This app allows you to lock the device and track its location to prevent unauthorized access to information and ensure the security of personal data.
Photo by Ketlin Lääts