by Theleaders | September 5, 2026 1:17 pm
SINGAPORE, Sept 5 — Apple device users in Singapore can now tap into MRT and LRT stations without unlocking their iPhone or Apple Watch, thanks to Apple Pay Express mode.
With the feature enabled, commuters simply need to raise their device to the gantry, even when its screen is asleep, for the fare payment to be processed, Singapore-based The Straits Times reported today.
Previously, users had to unlock their devices or authenticate their identity using facial recognition, a fingerprint or passcode before tapping in.
Apple Pay Express is designed specifically for public transport payments, while regular retail transactions will continue to require authentication by the device owner.
The feature has been available at all MRT and LRT stations since mid-August.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) told The Straits Times that Apple Pay Express could be available across Singapore’s entire public transport network, including buses, by the end of 2027.
Currently, only buses fitted with enhanced card readers support fare payments using the feature.
LTA had previously said the first batch of enhanced readers was deployed on bus services 222 and 110 from May 25.
The readers are being progressively introduced across Singapore’s public bus fleet, which numbered 6,067 vehicles at the end of 2025, with full implementation targeted by the end of 2027.
Until then, commuters on buses without the new readers will need to unlock their devices or authenticate their identity when tapping in.
To enable Apple Pay Express on an iPhone, users can open the Apple Wallet app, select a card, tap the three dots at the top right, select card details and enable “Express Travel”.
On an Apple Watch, users can open the Apple Watch app on their iPhone, select Wallet and Apple Pay under “My Watch”, tap “Express Travel Card”, choose a card and authenticate it on the watch using the passcode.
Source URL: https://theleaders-online.com/no-more-unlocking-apple-pay-express-rolls-out-across-singapore-mrt-lrt-with-buses-to-follow/
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