Palm trees with San Diego skyline in background.

INIT Helps Enable Apple Pay Express Mode in San Diego

San Diego transit riders have an easier, more seamless way to pay and ride when using Apple Pay, thanks to the enablement of Express Mode in the region’s PRONTO fare system from INIT. Express Mode allows riders using Apple Pay to pay and ride transit with a simple tap of an iPhone or Apple Watch to a reader — no need to wake or even unlock a device. Users can enjoy the feature when paying to ride across the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD).

INIT’s account-based architecture empowers MTS and NCTD to adopt an open-loop payment system that offers maximum flexibility and accessibility to users. This simplifies how locals and visitors alike navigate the region’s network of buses, trolleys, and trains.

This launch demonstrates how transit agencies can adopt emerging technologies to make taking transit even easier and more convenient for riders. We are always looking at ways to improve the customer experience, and with the addition of Apple Pay Express Mode to the PRONTO fare collection system, we are creating an experience that’s not only faster but also more accessible and secure.

Sharon Cooney

MTS CEO

When riders pay with Apple Pay and have Express Mode enabled, they get:

- A more seamless boarding experience. No more fumbling for fare cards or opening apps to pay and ride transit as all riders need to do is simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to a reader.

- Secure and private transactions. Paying to ride transit with Apple Pay takes full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple never tracks users’ journeys, and when customers add a credit or debit card to Apple Wallet, the card information is encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the information safely on the device.

- Added convenience and peace of mind. Power reserve on iPhone enables customers to still use their device to pay and ride transit even if their device needs a charge.

This is a game-changer for public transportation in San Diego. By enabling Express Mode for use in the PRONTO fare system, we are making it easier than ever for riders to move throughout the region, especially during high-traffic events and travel seasons.

Thomas Schaich

Director of Engineering

The launch comes at a strategic time for San Diego, which welcomed 32 million visitors in 2024 and continues to draw hundreds of thousands more for major events like Comic-Con and Padres games. Express Mode is key for handling increased ridership with efficiency and ease, especially in high-traffic areas like the Gaslamp Quarter and cruise terminals. The feature builds on strong Open Loop ridership already seen on airport bus routes.

As cities across the country look to modernize their transit infrastructure, INIT continues to lead the way in innovative, rider-first fare systems. The company’s integrated platform combines fare collection, fleet management, and real-time passenger information to help transit agencies meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

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