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Apple Pay for Transit
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  • Add a smartrip card

    Now available: Pay for transit with your debit or credit card on iPhone. Learn more about paying for transit with your debit or credit card on iPhone

    Hey, DC.
    Ride transit with apple pay.

    Just tap and go.
    No need to unlock.
    Really.

    Choose your way to pay for transit.

    Setting up a SmarTrip card is easy.

    1. step 1 Open Apple Wallet and tap the plus icon.
    2. step 2 Select Transit Card, then SmarTrip.3
    3. step 3 Make sure Express Mode is turned on.2

    Ride with Express Mode.

    Express Mode allows you to pay for transit without unlocking your device. Enable it in seconds right in the Wallet app.

    Learn how to turn on Express Mode.

    Reload. Right in your hand.

    Add funds to your SmarTrip card in seconds directly in the Wallet app — no need to stop at the ticket machine.

    Transfer your physical transit card to iPhone.

    1. step 1 Open Apple Wallet and tap the plus icon.
    2. step 2 Select Transit Card, then SmarTrip.
    3. step 3 Tap Transfer Existing Card and follow onscreen instructions.

    Setting up a debit or credit card is easy.

    1. step 1 Open Apple Wallet and tap the plus icon.
    2. step 2 Select Debit or Credit Card, then follow onscreen instructions.1
    3. step 3 Make sure Express Mode is turned on.2

    Ride with Express Mode.

    Express Mode allows you to pay for transit without unlocking your device. Enable it in seconds right in the Wallet app.

    Learn how to turn on Express Mode.

    Hop on board.

    Take a virtual trip in AR.4

    Open this page using Safari on your iPhone or iPad.

    Ride transit across DC.

    Apple Pay is accepted on trains and buses.5

    Learn more about SmarTrip

    Get real-time transit info.
    In Apple Maps.

    With real-time arrival and departure times, it’s easy to plan your trip. Access current locations of buses and trains, connections, and more.

    Get started with apple maps

    More to explore.

    Ride like a local. Wherever you go.

    Explore all the cities that accept Apple Pay for transit.

    View cities with Apple Pay for transit

    Do more. Carry less. With Wallet.

    Keep your eligible credit and debit cards, tickets, keys, and more all in one place.6

    Questions answered.

    What devices support Express Transit with Apple Pay?

    To use a debit or credit card, you will need an iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus, or later, with iOS 12.3 or later, or Apple Watch Series 1 or Series 2, or later, with watchOS 5.2.1 or later.

    How do I enable Express Transit?

    Go to Apple Wallet and select your debit or credit card. Then tap 􀍡 the more button and choose Card Details. Scroll down to Express Transit and check whether Express Mode is on or off. To turn on Express, tap Express Transit Settings and follow the prompts to authenticate. Please note that if you have a SmarTrip card in Apple Wallet, then you will need to disable Express Mode on your SmarTrip card to use Express Mode with your debit or credit card.

    If you prefer to use SmarTrip, go to Apple Wallet and select your SmarTrip card. Then tap 􀍡 the more button and choose Card Details. Scroll down to the Card Information section and check whether Express Mode is on or off. To turn on Express, tap Express Transit Settings and follow the prompts to authenticate.

    Only one payment card can be enabled for Express Transit at a time.

    Can I pay for transit with Apple Pay on both iPhone and Apple Watch?

    Yes, but you can’t use your iPhone and Apple Watch interchangeably. If you prefer to use a SmarTrip card, then you need one SmarTrip card on your iPhone and another SmarTrip card on your Apple Watch. Remember to use the same device to tap in and out when paying with Apple Pay.

    If I have both a SmarTrip card and a payment card in Apple Wallet, which card will be charged for my transit trip?

    If your SmarTrip card is enabled for Express Mode, the reader will select the SmarTrip card first. If you prefer to pay for your trip with your debit or credit card, then you should enable Express on your preferred payment card and disable Express on your SmarTrip card.

    Can I tap when my iPhone needs to be charged?

    You may be able to use your Express Mode enabled card on your iPhone even when your device needs to be charged. With a compatible iPhone, you may be able to use power reserve to make an Express transaction for up to five hours when your iPhone needs to be charged.

    Learn more about Express Mode with power reserve

    Does it cost extra to use Apple Pay?

    No. Apple does not charge any fees when you use Apple Pay.

    For more questions about Apple Pay for transit in DC, visit the WMATA website.

    1. To add a debit or credit card to Wallet, you need an iPhone SE (2016) or iPhone 6s or later with iOS 12.3 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 1 or later with watchOS 5.2.1 or later.
    2. To use Express Mode in Wallet, you need an iPhone SE (2016) or iPhone 6s or later with iOS 12.3 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 1 or later with watchOS 5.2.1 or later. If you have a SmarTrip card and a debit or credit card in Wallet, you must choose which card you want to use with Express Mode, and turn off Express Mode for the other card(s).
    3. To add a SmarTrip transit card to Wallet, you need an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 13.6 or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 6.2.8 or later.
    4. AR requires an iOS or iPadOS device with iOS 11 and an A9 processor or later.
    5. SmarTrip transit cards in Wallet are not accepted on MARC, VRE, or MTA vehicles.
    6. Only available with select partners and locations, and requires eligible devices and OS version. See apple.com/wallet for details.
    • Apple Pay is a service provided by Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. Neither Apple Inc. nor Apple Payments Services LLC is a bank. Any card used in Apple Pay is offered by the card issuer.