Although it has not been formally announced by Apple, or the feature changing on the website, select Apple users are stating that the Transit feature brought to the iPhone by Apple Pay is working in some tube and bus routes around London. It has been working since Tuesday according to these users.
Express Transit is a new feature that allows you to tap your Apple Pay equipped card without the need of Touch or Face ID authentication when tapping in and around the London Transport network, and other select transport networks around the world, such as New York City.
One user suggested it is working on the U5 Bus network, and the Ealing Broadway / Farringdon underground and national rail stations.
TFL has currently said that Express Transit feature is ‘not currently and option’ when it comes to payment methods on the TFL network, however they did elaborate and explained that they were having ‘positive discussions’ with Apple, in being able to enable the feature soon.
Could the news of it working in select places mean its release is imminent? Time will tell. But Express Transit is currently available in New York City, Portland, Beijing, Shanghai, and where Suica is being accepted in Japan.