Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has announced that Express Mode has come to the Bee Network, enabling passengers to use Apple Pay to pay for their travel on the region’s buses and trams.
When using Express Mode with Apple Pay, passengers do not need to wake or unlock their iPhone or Apple Watch, or even open an app when paying to ride public transport.
Once enabled, they simply hold their device near the card reader to pay and ride—no authentication of Face ID or Touch ID required.
Riders can change or manage their default Express Mode card at any time within the Apple Wallet app. For added convenience, power reserve on iPhone enables customers to still use their device to pay even if their device needs a charge.
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The launch of Express Mode for Apple Pay users comes following the hugely successful introduction of contactless ‘tap and go’ to the Bee Network in March.
TfGM said that ‘Tap and go’ enables seamless bus and tram travel for users, with the best value fare automatically calculated up to the daily or weekly cap.
Director of customer and growth at TfGM, Fran Wilkinson, said: “We are committed to making travelling on the Bee Network as simple and convenient as possible.
“We’ve listened to feedback, and we’re really excited to introduce Express Mode to our Apple Pay customers.
“It’s very easy to set up, and we look forward to welcoming our first passengers who use it onto the Bee Network.”
Achievements and innovations in ticketing & payment will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
