Apple now supports its transit payment system in 14 major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, and Washington, DC. Users can activate Express Mode on eligible iPhones to tap and pay without unlocking or biometric authentication, streamlining boarding across these transit networks.

Support in Dallas and Houston rolls out as of June 2026, while other cities have carried the feature for years. Express Mode also taps into iPhone XS and later batteries, allowing a five‑hour power reserve after depletion, which keeps commuters moving even during low‑battery scenarios and ensure uninterrupted access to public transit services for commuters.

Transit operators differ in card requirements. In Houston, riders must add a virtual RideMETRO card to Wallet, whereas Dallas lets passengers use any contactless credit or debit card for DART fares. Apple provides step‑by‑step settings instructions, guiding users to Settings → Wallet & Apple Pay → Express Transit Card to select their payment method and confirms payment readiness before boarding. This integration reduces queue times, improves fare accuracy, and aligns with the growing trend of digital ticketing across North American cities today.

Compatibility stretches beyond iPhone; iPhone 6s, 2016 iPhone SE, and later models support Express Mode, as do Apple Watch Series 1+ running watchOS 5.2.1+. Global adoption mirrors U.S. rollout, with cities like London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Toronto already enabled. Travelers should verify local rules before departure to avoid fare hiccups and ensure seamless commuting across borders for all travelers today.