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New South Wales adopts Apple Pay Express mode for seamless travel

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  • Apple Pay Express Mode in Australia, NSW (New South Wales) is now supported on up to 25000 Card Readers on the Opal Network.
  • Around Two Million Passengers will travel and pay seamlessly with Apple Pay Express Mode (digital payment system).

In a significant technological leap, New South Wales (NSW) has introduced Apple Pay Express Mode on its Opal public transport network. This innovative feature, a first for Australia, is set to revolutionize the travel experience for the nearly two million transport passengers who use contactless payments with digital wallets in NSW.

Apple Pay Express Mode allows travelers to pay for their trip by holding their iPhone or Apple Watch over a card reader, eliminating the need for authentication via Face ID or Touch ID. The feature is now available for 25,000 card readers across the Opel network, including ferries, light rail, train stations, and the Opel bus system.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Helen expressed her excitement about the development, saying, “Commuters from the Hunter, Illawarra, Blue Mountains, and everywhere in between will be the first in Australia to benefit massively from this initiative. Being a public transport user will be an advantage.”

The introduction of Apple Pay Express mode is expected to streamline the payment process, making it faster and more efficient. This is especially beneficial during peak travel times when speed is of the essence. This feature works for up to five hours after the low battery icon appears on the screen, ensuring passengers aren’t stranded with a dead battery.

Kurt Brissett, Transport for NSW’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, highlighted the widespread adoption of digital wallets, saying, “We see over 65% of contactless card taps on the Opal network now using a digital wallet. have been created, and Apple Pay represents the vast majority of them.”

The development puts NSW in line with global cities such as New York, London, and Hong Kong, which already have similar systems in place. This is an important step towards embracing the future of travel and leveraging technology to enhance the commuting experience.

The introduction of Apple Pay Express Mode is a testament to NSW’s commitment to innovation and customer convenience. As the state continues to embrace modern technology, travelers can look forward to more seamless and efficient travel experiences in the future.

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