An agreement between the NSW Government and Apple will allow public transport users to tap on and off Opal readers using locked Apple devices, as part of efforts to modernise Sydney’s public transport network.
Known as ‘Express Mode’, the feature will be available to all Apple users on their iPhones and Apple Watches.
The rollout is the first of its kind in Australia and is live across Sydney’s train, ferry and light rail network. Over a third of Opal readers on busses have also been updated, with the rollout set to be completed in the coming weeks.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen anticipates that the upgrade will help users move more smoothly through Opal readers.
“Think of your phone as your public transport passport,” she said.
Contactless payments are being used with increasing frequency on NSW public transport, and Apple Pay comprises 65% of all such transactions. By enabling Express Mode on Apple Pay, users will be able to tap on and off without needing to start or unlock their devices, open their digital Wallet or use Face ID. It will also remain active even if a device is out of battery.
Samsung Pay users have had a similar feature available since 2019, but no plans have been made to include other Android users in the rollout.
“GPay does not currently have a similar express transit capability, and Transport for NSW looks forward to Google developing a similar express transit experience for its customers,” said Transport for NSW’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Kurt Brissett.
‘Glitches’ and security issues noted in other cities
Minister Haylen believes Express Mode represents “embracing the future of travel, putting [Sydney] in line with global cities such as New York, London and Hong Kong.”
However, when New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority introduced Express Mode in 2020, dozens of ‘unintended taps’ and glitches were reported.
Users reported Express Mode triggering Apple Pay simply by walking past card readers. In one incident, a user was charged after having paid using their traditional transit card, resulting in a double charge.
Researchers have also flagged the potential fraud and security issues that come with not requiring any authentication before making payment.
In 2021, computer scientists from Birmingham and Surrey Universities demonstrated how they exploited the Express Mode feature to make a contactless £1000 Visa payment from a locked iPhone.
When asked about these security concerns, Mr Brissett told City Hub that Cubic Transport Systems, Transport for NSW’s ticketing machine manufacturer, and Apple, had undertaken extensive testing and had not identified any issues.
Express Mode part of state’s $570m public transport digital overhaul
Express Mode’s introduction is part of the NSW Government’s $570 million Opal Next Gen scheme, aiming to “revolutionise” the state’s public transport network as use levels begin returning to pre-Covid levels.
Other initiatives to be introduced include Opal+, proposing a subscription-based approach to public transport, with a 12-month trial of the app concluding on 9 June. Digitised Opal cards will also be made permanent by the end of the year.
In the meantime, Mr Brissett believes that “everyone in greater Sydney and major regional hubs will benefit from [Express Mode].”
“By reducing the steps that a customer now needs to take to use their contactless credit or debit with Apple Pay, we anticipate that this will make it easier and more convenient for our customers.” Mr Brissett highlighted that the upgrade will be of particular use for customers with accessibility issues who may have difficulty unlocking devices quickly.
“This really is amazing technology that will deliver a simple time-saving solution with fewer hold-ups and more peace of mind,” he said.
