The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) recently announced that Apple Pay users can use Express Mode.

Making Paying For Transit Easier

The Express Mode program allows riders to pay and ride transit with a simple tap of an iPhone or Apple watch, making it easier and more convenient to travel throughout San Diego County.

“Today marks an exciting step forward in making public transit in San Diego more seamless and convenient,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS board chair and San Diego city councilmember, district 3. “Whether you're heading to a Padres game, a concert, or simply commuting to your next destination, paying with Apple Pay empowers riders to hop onboard faster. We appreciate having the close collaboration with Apple to bring this feature to our transit systems.”

While Express Mode is enabled for debit or credit cards, customers do not need to wake or unlock iPhones or Apple Watches to pay and ride on MTS buses and trolleys, and NCTD COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE, and FLEX services. Secure payments can be made by holding an Apple device near a PRONTO validator.

San Diego attracts millions of visitors annually for sporting events, concerts, vacations, and conferences, and these riders can also utilize Express Mode.

“This expands on the contactless payment feature we launched last year – just tap your phone or smart watch for easy access to the amazing transit services NCTD offers,” said NCTD Chief Executive Officer Shawn M. Donaghy.

The program will launch in time for the San Diego Padres' Opening Day, the San Diego Wave FC home opener, and the San Diego FC's third home match. Customers going to Petco Park or Snapdragon Stadium can bypass ticket vending machines bus fareboxes, and use the PRONTO app, and pay directly when tapping their Apple device at a PRONTO validator.

Express Mode allows users to change which payment method they would like to use at any time, and once a debit or credit card has been selected for use in Apple Wallet, they can use their Apple device at enabled PRONTO validators.

While iPhones are in power reserve, customers can still use their devices to pay and ride transit.

Fares paid via Apple Pay are eligible for free transfers during the two-hour period on most modes after the first boarding time. Each passenger must pay their fare with a unique apple device, as each device can only be used for one rider at a time.