TRANSPORTATION

You can now use your iPhone and Apple Watch to pay for SEPTA even faster
Apple’s Express Mode feature allows riders to pay for fares without unlocking their phone.

by Henry Savage
Published July 24, 2024, 2:37 p.m. ET

Forget cash, card, or SEPTA Key Cards at home? No problem — there’s a new way to pay for bus and Metro line riders.

On Monday, SEPTA integrated Apple Wallet’s “Express Mode” feature into bus, trolley, and subway payment systems. Express Mode allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to use certain credit/debit cards, keys, and passes in Apple Wallet without unlocking the device or opening a separate app. Riders can now hold their Apple device near a fare reader to buy single-ride passes for SEPTA bus, trolley, Broad Street Line {B}, Market-Frankford Line {L}, and Norristown High Speed Line {M}.

“We’re excited to be finally rolling out Apple Express, we’re actually one of just a few transportation agencies across the country that have worked with Apple on this‚” said SEPTA’s Chief of Staff, Liz Smith. “Paying for transit should be as easy as paying for a cup of coffee. That’s really our goal, and so this is one more step in that direction.”

The feature is currently available on select SEPTA fare readers, with a full rollout coming Aug. 9. Smith said riders may find that Express Mode doesn’t work for their bus or Metro line until early August. In the meantime, prepare to have another form of payment ready. SEPTA is also piloting Express Mode payments on Regional Rail lines and will introduce the feature for trains further down the line.

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