Apple is currently working with London’s transport network, aka “Tfl,” to enable Apple Pay Express Transit, which will allow riders to pay their fare without needing to wake or unlock their device, or authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.
“We are having positive discussions with Apple about enabling express transit on Apple devices on the TfL network,” a TfL spokesperson said in a statement. “More information about timing and plans will be available at a future date.”
Tfl’s Twitter account also noted that the company is “working closely with Apple to allow the benefits of this update to be introduced on London’s transport network in the coming months.”
Riders can currently use Apple Pay for ride purchases at Oyster terminals and gates, although that have to authenticate their devices with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode in advance. Apple Pay’s Express Transit mode can be used on an iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, iPhones, 6sPlus, or later, or Apple Watch Series 1 or later Owners of iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR can also use Express Transit in power reserve mode, which is available for up to five hours when an iPhone needs to be charged.
Apple introduced its Express Transit feature in iOS 12.3, which debuted earlier this month. London would join a handful of cities with transit systems that support the express Apple Pay feature, including Beijing, Shanghai, Portland, and New York City (from Friday on). Express Transit also works for Suica cards in Japan.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.