Support for Apple Pay's Express Mode has been added to Edinburgh city's tap-on, tap-off tram network and Lothian bus services in Scotland, enabling passengers to pay for travel without unlocking their iPhone or Apple Watch.
The new functionality went live a couple of weeks ago, and it comes after a similar rollout in August for Greater Manchester, the first time a UK integrated public transport system has implemented Express Mode outside London.
Apart from allowing users to pay for rides without having to wake or unlock their iPhone, Express Mode also bypasses the need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Users simply need to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless payment reader until a checkmark appears on the display.
In the Apple Wallet app, users can set a debit or credit card as their default transit option under "Express Travel Settings." When Express Mode is turned on, they only need to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a transit reader to pay – no Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode required.
For most people, the card already set as their default payment method in Wallet will automatically be used for Express Mode, but this can be changed anytime in Settings.
Express Mode is available in major cities worldwide, including London, New York, Beijing, Tokyo, and Sydney.
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I wish trains all over Scotland used it and the Glasgow subway. We do have a universal smart card but such as pain in the ass getting on trains having to scan a QR code or buy a physical ticket for the subway. Not sure about buses because I can’t remember the last time I was even on a public bus. (Edit: seems buses do have it.)
Have been too spoiled travelling around London which is so easy and effortless. I know Edinburgh is the capital but it’s a much smaller city. You’d think Glasgow would have this all in place but nope.
It's amazing how such a simple thing can make your life so much easier. I spend most of my time using NY and London transit, so it's jarring when I'm somewhere else and don't have it available.
