In today's rapidly growing urban centers, the need for increased public transportation usage has become a crucial aspect of sustainable urban development.
As a leading provider of transport technology solutions, Cubic Transportation Systems recognizes this milestone that Transport for NSW has reached with the enablement of Express Mode, which allows compatible iPhone and Apple Watch users to simply hold their device near a reader to pay and ride transit — without a need to unlock or even wake up their device.* This capability reduces payment friction and enhances the overall public transport experience, offering a wide range of benefits for commuters, including a smoother flow of passengers, reduced queueing times and faster boarding.
The introduction of Express Mode for iPhone and Apple Watch users represents a significant milestone for the Opal network. As part of the Express Mode rollout, over 20,000 Cubic devices across the Opal network have been updated to enable this new function, reducing friction for the thousands of daily travellers choosing to pay their transit fare with Apple Pay. With this implementation, Sydney joins other leading transport agencies worldwide, such as London and New York, in embracing Express Mode to make payments faster and more convenient and secure for commuters — using the power of iPhone to protect every transaction.
Beyond the convenience of frictionless payments, Express Mode also offers an additional advantage to Opal network transit riders in the form of Power Reserve. With compatible iPhone models that have Express Mode enabled, users can continue to use their device to ride transit for up to five hours after their device needs to be charged — further enhancing the convenience of commuting for iPhone users.
This new feature also benefits on time running for bus services, with faster on boarding and off boarding for passengers choosing to pay with Express Mode. This new tap on and tap off experience benefits commuters and public transport operators, fostering a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience for everyone involved.
Express Mode has ushered in a new era of convenience and security in public transport, and its integration into the Sydney Opal network is a testament to its global recognition and adoption. As public transport agencies worldwide work with Apple to adopt this transformative technology, commuters can benefit from a more seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
*iPhone 8 or later, Watch Series 4 or later
