London’s Tube and bus users will soon be able to pay for their journey with their iPhone or Apple Watch after tech giant Apple announced it’s bringing its mobile payments system, Apple Pay, to the UK.
The service, which is similar to the contactless payment option already available in many debit and credit cards, allows card holders to register their card with Apple and then pay by holding their iPhone against the card reader.
Transport for London was the first public transport operator to accept contactless payment cards and will become the first to accept Apple Pay when it launches in the UK next month.
More than 1.2 million contactless transactions are made each day on TfL services, with passengers spared the need to top up in advance or manage separate card balances.
Despite the growing popularity of contactless, TfL says the capital’s Oyster card will remain available for those who are unable or prefer not to use contactless.
TfL’s Director of Customer Experience, Shashi Verma, said: “With around one in ten of all contactless transactions in the UK now taking place on our transport services in London, we are delighted to welcome Apple Pay as another new and convenient contactless way for our customers to pay for their travel.
“I would encourage anyone who uses pay as you go to try contactless. There’s no need to top-up, just touch in and out with your mobile device, credit or debit card.”
