Using Apple Pay On Buses: A Simple Guide

Using Apple Pay on a bus is a quick and easy way to pay for your journey. In this article, we will cover how to use Apple Pay on a bus, including the setup process, the payment process, and some tips and tricks to speed up your journey. Apple Pay can be used on buses in London and New York, with the former also offering the option to use it on trams and the Underground.

Set up Apple Pay

Setting up Apple Pay is easy and quick. To get started, you need to make sure you have a compatible device, such as an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac computer, with the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, or macOS. You'll also need a supported card from a participating card issuer—most major banks are supported by Apple Pay—and an Apple ID signed in to your device.

Once you have everything you need, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Wallet App

The Wallet app is pre-installed on Apple devices, so you won't need to install it.

Step 2: Add a Debit or Credit Card

In the Wallet app, tap the "+" or "Add" icon in the top-right corner. Select "Debit or Credit Card" and then "Continue". You can add your card in two ways: by using your phone's camera to capture the card number, expiration date, and name; or by manually entering the card information.

Step 3: Verify Your Information

Validate your card via email, text, or a phone call to the bank. Some banks may require additional information, such as your account information, or use test transactions to prove that you are the cardholder. Once your card is validated, you can choose to add it to your Apple Watch if you have one.

Step 4: Customize Apple Pay Settings (Optional)

After adding your card, you can adjust some additional settings to fine-tune your experience with Apple Pay. On your iPhone or iPad, go to "Settings", then "Wallet & Apple Pay". From there, you can enable or disable certain features, such as the need to double-click the side button to view your cards and Apple Pay autofill in Safari. You can also allow your phone to be used for payment confirmation on a nearby Mac or add orders directly to the Wallet app.

And that's it! You've now set up Apple Pay and are ready to start making secure and convenient payments.

Using Apple Pay on the bus

Setting up Apple Pay

First, you need to set up Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch. To do this, open the Wallet app and tap the plus icon. Then, select the debit or credit card you wish to use and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also add a card to your Apple Watch using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

Using Express Mode

Apple Pay's Express Mode feature allows you to pay for your bus journey without needing to use Face ID or Touch ID. To enable Express Mode, open the Wallet app and select your preferred card. Tap the "More" icon, then "Card Details", and choose "Express Travel Settings" to confirm your card.

Paying for your bus journey

When you board the bus, simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch close to the card reader. Make sure the top of your iPhone is flat against the reader. Your payment will be complete when a green light appears on the reader, and your device will confirm it with a subtle pulse and beep.

Important things to note

• Always use the same device for your entire journey. If you use your iPhone to tap in, use it again to tap out. This ensures you pay the correct fare and benefit from fare-capping.
• Keep your physical cards separate from your device to avoid card clash and ensure you are charged correctly.
• Ensure your device has enough battery life to complete your journey.

Supported locations

Apple Pay on buses is supported by various transport operators in the UK, including Transport for London, Arriva UK Bus, First Bus, and more. In the US, Apple Pay is accepted on buses throughout New York City.

Using Apple Pay on other transport

Apple Pay is a convenient way to pay for journeys on public transport, and it's available on various transport services beyond just buses. Here's how you can use Apple Pay on other forms of transportation:

• Trains and Subways: In cities like London, Sydney, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, Toronto, Vancouver, and many more, you can use Apple Pay to ride the trains or subways. Simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch to the card reader, just like you would with a bus.
• Airlines and Airports: Certain airport express services, such as The Airline in the UK, accept Apple Pay for a seamless travel experience.
• Trams: In London, you can use Apple Pay to pay as you go on trams, similar to how you would on buses.
• Coaches: Some coach services, like the Oxford-London Heathrow and Gatwick Airport coach services, also accept Apple Pay, making long-distance travel more convenient.

It's important to note that the availability of Apple Pay may vary depending on your location. Always check with your local public transport agency or visit the Apple Pay website to see if Apple Pay is supported in your region. Additionally, remember to set up Apple Pay in your Wallet app and enable Express Mode for a smoother payment experience.

Using Apple Pay on a dead battery

To use Apple Pay when your iPhone is dead, follow these steps:

• Ensure that you have set up Apple Pay in your Wallet app and have added a payment card.
• Bring the upper part of your iPhone close to the contactless reader or card reader on the bus.
• Once the transaction is complete, a checkmark will appear on the screen of the card reader to indicate a successful payment.

It is worth mentioning that this feature works even if your iPhone is locked or discharged. Additionally, you don't need to wake or unlock your device, or authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode when using Express Mode.

Keep in mind that this feature is designed for emergency situations and may not work with all transit systems. It is always a good idea to ensure that your iPhone is adequately charged before you need to make any payments.

Using Apple Pay with a non-UK bank card

Apple Pay is available in several countries and regions, including the UK, China, the US, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. You can check the Apple website for a full list of participating banks and card issuers in each region.

In the UK, Transport for London (TfL) accepts Apple Pay for travel on the Underground, buses, and trams. To use Apple Pay on TfL, you need to set up a default card for your journeys. This can be done by opening Settings, going to Wallet & Apple Pay, tapping "Express Travel Card", and choosing your preferred card. You will then need to confirm the card with Touch ID or Face ID.

When travelling, simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch over the yellow card readers on TfL services. It is important to note that you should always use the same device to touch in and out to ensure you pay the correct fare.

If you are using a non-UK bank card with Apple Pay on TfL, there may be additional overseas transaction fees, so be sure to check with your card issuer before using this payment method.

Frequently asked questions