Apple Pay Express Mode Now Available on Singapore MRT and LRT Full Public Transport Rollout by End-2027

Apple Pay Express Mode is now available across Singapore's MRT and LRT networks, allowing commuters to tap their iPhone or Apple Watch without unlocking or authenticating. A full public transport rollout, including buses, is targeted by the end of 2027.

Apple device users in Singapore can now breeze through MRT and LRT gantries faster than ever. The Land Transport Authority has confirmed that Apple Pay Express Mode has been available across all MRT and LRT stations since mid-August 2026.

Faster Commutes, No Unlocking Required

With Express Mode enabled, commuters can simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch at the fare reader even when the screen is asleep or the device is locked. There is no need to wake the device, open Apple Wallet, or authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. The feature is designed specifically for public transport payments, while retail transactions continue to require authentication.

"With Express Mode switched on, commuters can simply hold an iPhone or Apple Watch near the fare reader. There is no need to wake or unlock the device, open Apple Wallet, or authenticate each trip using Face ID, Touch ID or a passcode".

Buses: Phased Rollout by End-2027

While Express Mode now works on all MRT and LRT lines, the bus rollout is still in progress. Currently, only buses fitted with enhanced card readers support the feature. The first batch of these upgraded readers was deployed on bus services 222 and 110 from May 25, 2026. The Land Transport Authority is progressively installing these new readers across Singapore's public bus fleet, which numbered 6,067 vehicles at the end of 2025. Full implementation across all buses is 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.

How to Enable Apple Pay Express Mode

To enable Express Mode on an iPhone:

• Open the Apple Wallet app and select a card
• Tap the three dots at the top right, then tap Card Details
• Select Express Travel Settings and choose your preferred card

On an Apple Watch:

• Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
• Tap Wallet & Apple Pay under "My Watch"
• Tap Express Travel Card, select a card, and authenticate on the watch using the passcode

Important: Use the Same Device

Commuters must use the same mobile device and the same payment card when entering and exiting the public transport system. Mixing a physical bank card with a phone, or using different devices, can result in the taps being treated as separate transactions and may lead to incorrect fare charges.

Here is the question this rollout raises. Apple Pay Express Mode is now available on Singapore's MRT and LRT, with buses to follow by 2027, eliminating the need to unlock devices for fare payments. When the speed of public transport payments is reduced to a simple tap, does this signal the beginning of a truly frictionless commuting experience, or is it just one step in a longer journey toward a fully integrated, contactless public transport system?

FAQ:

Q: What is Apple Pay Express Mode and how does it work on Singapore's MRT and LRT?
A: Apple Pay Express Mode allows commuters to tap their iPhone or Apple Watch at MRT and LRT gantries without unlocking the device, opening Apple Wallet, or authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode.

Q: When did Apple Pay Express Mode become available on Singapore's MRT and LRT?
A: Apple Pay Express Mode has been available across all MRT and LRT stations since mid-August 2026.

Q: Does Apple Pay Express Mode work on Singapore's buses?
A: Currently, Express Mode works only on buses fitted with enhanced card readers. The Land Transport Authority is progressively installing these readers across the bus fleet, with full implementation targeted by the end of 2027.

Q: How do I enable Apple Pay Express Mode on my iPhone?
A: Open Apple Wallet, select a card, tap the three dots, go to Card Details, select Express Travel Settings, and choose your preferred card. The same setting can be configured on Apple Watch through the Watch app on your iPhone.

Q: Do I need an internet connection to use Apple Pay Express Mode on public transport?
A: No, Apple Pay Express Mode does not require an internet connection during a fare-gate tap, and on compatible iPhone models, Express Mode may work for up to five hours after the battery runs out.

Q: Can I use Express Mode with multiple devices?
A: You should use the same device and same payment card when entering and exiting the public transport system. Mixing devices can result in separate transactions and incorrect fare charges.