Apple Pay Now Accepted on Beijing, Shanghai Subways and Buses

By Justine Lopez

Taking public transportation in Beijing and Shanghai just got a whole lot easier… at least for Apple users.

Starting today, iPhone and Apple Watch users in Beijing and Shanghai can use their devices to ride subways and buses thanks to the new iOS 11.3 update.

The latest update includes Apple Pay’s Express Transit feature, allowing users to add new cards and transfer existing balances to their mobile wallet. Commuters can top up their cards with a minimum of RMB10 and maximum of RMB500 through the new system, TechNode reports.      

To pay for the subway or bus, all users have to do is turn their devices on and walk through the gate. Unlike Alipay and WeChat, Apple Pay doesn’t require users to scan a QR code or tap their devices to the ticket machine, according to China Money Network.

With the latest rollouts, Apple Pay is now available in four Chinese cities: Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai. The system was implemented in Hangzhou and Guangzhou’s subway systems last year.

Both Beijing and Shanghai began making moves toward digital pubic transport payment in recent months. Earlier this year the Shanghai Metro began accepting Alipay as a form of payment. Late last year, Beijing debuted the 'mobile phone one-card-pass.' Allowing most commuters to use their mobile phones to pay for the subway. However, to the frustration of many, iPhones are not compatible with the system.

Apple Pay’s Express Transit feature is now available on iPhone 6 and later versions and the Apple Watch Series 1 to 3, according to China Money Network.

[Images via China Money Network, Apple and AppleInsider]

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