Metro Operators Remain Hopeful for iPhone Digital Ticketing

Transport authorities have expressed continued optimism regarding the introduction of digital ticketing for iPhones, following a period marked by prolonged difficulties. The Tyne and Wear Metro is facing calls to implement a “seamless” system for Apple users, who currently lack the ability to store Metro tickets on their devices. An application for the Pop card, enabling ticket purchase and storage, became available for Android devices in 2020, yet it has not been extended to iPhones. Nexus, the Metro operator, has stated its intention to be an “early adopter” once Apple deploys the necessary technology to its devices within the UK. Presently, iPhone users must acquire a physical Pop card to benefit from its reduced fares, which are more economical than paper tickets purchased from station vending machines. This week, both Conservative and Labour councillors in North Tyneside urged Nexus to address this issue. A proposal introduced by Tory councillor Ian McAlpine asserted that the Metro’s payment system “needs further improvement to match the modern experience in places like London and Manchester”. The council unanimously approved the motion, which highlighted the growing dependence on digital wallets and cautioned that the absence of iPhone compatibility results in some individuals paying “over the odds”. Nexus had previously clarified that the technology necessary for storing a Pop card was exclusively accessible through Google Pay, not within the Apple Wallet. Nevertheless, on Friday, Nexus informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Apple intends to deploy this technology to its devices in the UK. David Bartlett, Nexus’s head of smart ticketing, affirmed that the organization remains “committed” to implementing this feature. “Apple has announced its intention to bring that functionality to the UK. We hope to be an early adopter of this technology when it becomes available.” He further stated that new smartcard readers would be required for the network’s gates and validators, with installation targeted for the first half of next year.