Apple Pay With Express Transit Mode Goes Live for D.C. Metro Riders

Apple Pay with Express Transit mode today appears to have gone live for the Washington Metro.

MacRumors reader Errin submitted screenshots showing the SmarTrip fare card ready for public transport use in the Wallet app on iPhone. Several Twitter users have also shared news of the card appearing in the Wallet app for them, too.


Riders in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area should now be able to add their reloadable SmarTrip fare card to the Wallet app, and simply hold their ‌iPhone‌ or Apple Watch near a contactless payment reader at Metrorail stations or on Metrobus buses to pay their fare.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority announced in December 2019 that ‌Apple Pay‌ with Express Transit would be coming to the Washington Metro this year.

Express Transit mode allows for tap-and-go payment, eliminating the need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. The device does not need to be waked or unlocked, either.

Related Roundup: Apple Pay

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...

Top Rated Comments

incoherent_1 Avatar
71 months ago

while nyc still hasn't fully rolled out...
Don’t worry, WMATA still hasn’t rolled out 19th century features like “being on time” or “not catching on fire” so NYC still has the lead...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tny Avatar
71 months ago

Have any Feds tried this yet? Do you have to use Apple Pay as the funding source for your SmartTrip card? What if you get a stipend from work for commuting, does that still work if you add it to your Wallet?
A friend just added his, and it shows stored value and smart benefits as separate balances, right in the Wallet
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Canyonero Avatar
71 months ago
Still waiting on Chicago which was announced forever ago. Looking at our Ventra app that still hasn’t been updated to support the X/11 displays, I don’t have high hopes though.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jon20001 Avatar
71 months ago

Is it now possible to get a “digital only” SmarTrip card without needing to get a physical card first?
Yes -- use the SmarTrip app to set it up.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
alexandr Avatar
71 months ago
while nyc still hasn't fully rolled out...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rockstarjoe Avatar
71 months ago

A friend just added his, and it shows stored value and smart benefits as separate balances, right in the Wallet
That's awesome! Thanks for the info.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)