Transport for NSW has completed the rollout of Apple Express, a new feature that allows commuters to tap on to public transport without unlocking their iPhones. The agreement between the NSW government agency and Apple was signed last month, enabling travellers in the greater Sydney metropolitan area to utilize this convenient payment method.
To use Apple Express, commuters can add a contactless credit card or debit card to their digital wallet and enable the feature in their device settings. This integration eliminates the need to unlock the device or authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode when tapping on and off to pay for a trip. Apple Express is supported on iPhones and Apple Watches running iOS 16.4 or later.
Transport for NSW implemented a phased rollout of Express Mode across 25,000 Opal card readers, starting with ferries and trains and later extending the feature to bus readers, completing the project. Kurt Brissett, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Transport for NSW, highlighted that over 65 percent of contactless card taps on the Opal network are now made using a digital wallet, with Apple Pay being the most commonly used method.
NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen emphasized that commuters across various regions, including the Hunter, Illawarra, and Blue Mountains, will benefit from being the first to access this new payment method. By simplifying the tap-on and tap-off experience, Apple Express reduces hold-ups and provides a time-saving solution for passengers.
The next steps for Transport for NSW involve a full upgrade of the Opal system, including the introduction of a digital Opal Card. These enhancements, part of the Opal Next Gen program, aim to improve flexibility and efficiency in the public transport network. The program will involve testing the market to identify suitable delivery partners. The rollout of the digital Opal Card is expected to commence at the end of this year as part of the NSW government’s extensive transport upgrade plan.
