Public transportation in San Diego has taken a tech-forward leap with the latest collaboration between the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), North County Transit District (NCTD), and Apple. San Diego commuters can now simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to pay for their transit fares, utilizing Apple Pay's Express Mode. This contactless payment system aims to streamline the boarding process and make it quicker for riders to get to their destinations, as reported by the San Diego MTS in a recent announcement.
The new payment option is designed to utilize the latest payment technology directly. "Today marks an exciting step forward in making public transit in San Diego more seamless and convenient," MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember, District 3, Stephen Whitburn, told the MTS media center. Users will not need to wake their device or open any app; they need only to hold their Apple device near a PRONTO validator.
Express Mode will be accessible on various transit services, including MTS buses and Trolleys, as well as NCTD COASTER, SPRINTER, BREEZE, and FLEX services. The feature arrives just in time for major events in the city, potentially benefiting scores of attendees heading to sports games and concerts. Shawn M. Donaghy, NCTD Chief Executive Officer, expressed excitement over the development, emphasizing the convenience it provides residents and visitors.
Additionally, with the power reserve feature, passengers can continue to access the payment functionality even when their iPhone battery is low. “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,” Donaghy explained, highlighting the ease with which riders can now navigate the city, as per the San Diego MTS.
In terms of security, Apple Pay maintains robust protective measures in transit. Users' travel histories are kept private, as Apple never tracks their journeys. Payment information is stored on a secure chip within the device, maintaining data integrity.
