Metrolinx and Apple Launch PRESTO Card in Apple Wallet, Enhancing Transit Experience
Toronto — Commuters across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) have a new, seamless way to travel, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Metrolinx and Apple. Starting today, transit riders can add their PRESTO card to Apple Wallet, allowing them to tap and ride using their iPhone or Apple Watch. This marks the first time a Canadian transit card is available in Apple Wallet, providing a significant enhancement to the regional transit experience.
The new feature is designed to make fare payment more convenient for both regular commuters and visitors. With a digital version of the PRESTO card, users can easily pay fares on various transit systems, including GO Transit, UP Express, TTC, Brampton Transit, and more. The integration supports all fare types, including youth, post-secondary students, adults, and seniors.
“We are excited to bring customers another way to pay their fare with the addition of a PRESTO card on iPhone and Apple Watch,” said Barclay Hancock, Metrolinx Chief Payments Officer. “This is yet another way PRESTO is continuously evolving and innovating to meet the needs of customers and make it easier for them to choose transit first.”
Adding a PRESTO card to Apple Wallet is free and can be done instantly through the PRESTO app or directly in Apple Wallet. Users can also add funds and purchase transit passes without the need to visit a physical location. The convenience extends to the ride itself, as customers with Express Mode enabled can tap their iPhone or Apple Watch on a reader to pay their fare without needing to unlock or wake their device.
Privacy and security are top priorities for this new system. PRESTO cards stored in Apple Wallet benefit from the robust security features built into Apple devices. All card information is encrypted and stored securely in the Secure Element, a chip designed to safeguard sensitive data. Additionally, if a device is misplaced, users can use the Find My app to lock and locate it.
This launch is part of Metrolinx’s broader effort to provide more flexible and convenient payment options for transit riders. Along with PRESTO in Apple Wallet, customers can use physical or digital credit and debit cards, traditional PRESTO cards, or other digital options to pay for their transit fares.
“This is yet another way PRESTO is continuously evolving and innovating to meet the needs of customers and make it easier for them to choose transit first,” Hancock added.
For more information on how to add and use a PRESTO card in Apple Wallet, visit prestocard.ca/applewallet.
For further inquiries, accredited journalists can contact Metrolinx’s media team at mediarelations@metrolinx.com. Customers can reach out to Metrolinx customer service through the Metrolinx website.
