Metrolinx Piloting Apple Pay on Toronto's UP Express, Working to Expand to TTC

Metrolinx this week announced that commuters can now use contactless payment options like Apple Pay to pay for their fare on UP Express, a train that connects Downtown Toronto with Toronto Pearson International Airport.

presto machine apple pay
Prior to boarding the train, commuters simply need to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the PRESTO payment terminal to pay for their fare with a credit card loaded in the Wallet app — or tap a physical credit card. At the end of the trip, riders must "tap off" with the same credit card or mobile payment device they used to "tap on" with to ensure that they pay the correct fare for their trip on UP Express, as usual.

If a rider is approached by a fare inspector, they can present the same credit card or mobile wallet used to pay the fare as proof of payment.

The contactless payment option has been available for UP Express adult fare since March 11, as part of a pilot program. Student or other discounted fares still require using a PRESTO card for now. Metrolinx plans to expand contactless payments to more transit agencies "soon" across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, including the TTC.

It's worth noting that it is still not possible to add the PRESTO card to the Wallet app, and this does not appear to be part of the current plans.


"We're currently working with the TTC to determine the potential timelines for this work," a Metrolinx spokesperson told Global News.

Later this year, Metrolinx also plans to add Interac Debit as a payment option for UP Express.

Related Roundup: Apple Pay

Popular Stories

Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
wwdc sans text feature

Apple Rumored to Announce New Product on February 19

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld. The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld. Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Finder Siri Feature

Why Apple's iOS 26.4 Siri Upgrade Will Be Bigger Than Originally Promised

Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do. The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up. Upgraded Architecture The next-generation...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life

Friday February 6, 2026 5:14 am PST by
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...

Top Rated Comments

murdoc2k Avatar
64 months ago
This is wonderful news. Toronto has now reached the 2010 milestone in tech. Only 11 more years to go.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jicon Avatar
64 months ago
I’d prefer Presto card Wallet integration, but this is a good step forward
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Hyperchaotic Avatar
64 months ago
I send a message to Translink ('https://www.translink.ca/about-us/customer-service/contact-information') in Vancouver every year asking for express transit. They're used to me now, they have started responding with "oh hi, no we still haven't.... but will forward your mail again...".
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ipedro Avatar
46 months ago
Update: Open Payment is currently “targeted” for rollout by the end of this year. I’m not super confident in the TTC and Metrolinx’ ability to meet deadlines but at least we know it’s coming, sooner or later.

A nice surprise is that a virtual Presto card is also coming, likely via Apple's Transit Card on iOS and watchOS.

cc: @avonord

Attachment Image

Attachment Image
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ipedro Avatar
64 months ago

what about transfers? does it track them as a Presto card does?
Yes, it tracks transfers. That’s done at the system level not at the terminal. If you tap the same card within 2 hours, it’s a $0.00 charge, no different than how a PRESTO card does it.


"Metrolinx Piloting Apple Pay"
No, they're piloting contactless payments ?
They’re also piloting Apple Pay. It’s not just a straightforward contactless payment. Apple Pay serves up a token, not a credit card number. It requires its own implementation, otherwise it would look like a different credit card each time it’s tapped, making it impossible to track transfers, fare verification and ride history. The article title is correct: Metrolinx is piloting Apple Pay.


Seems like a quite nice implementation.

I suppose it still needs authentication though? Express Transit doesn't need auth, it has Power Reserve for when the phone is dead and it works with concession cards (I don't know if Presto have those)- so in several ways is very useful.
Express Transit works with credit/debit cards.



Attachment Image
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ipedro Avatar
64 months ago

I can't understand why they are not even planning integration of Presto cards with the Wallet. What could be the reason? Are there technical limitations? If not, what is the problem?

I’d prefer Presto card Wallet integration, but this is a good step forward
I actually prefer this implementation. It sets the stage for eliminating the need for a PRESTO card at all. Using a credit card charges you the PRESTO price rather than the cash fare. That’s a pleasant surprise.

Once you’ve tapped a credit card at least once, you can then add it into your PRESTO account in the app so it’ll work exactly like a PRESTO card:



Once your card is added to the app, you can track your trips like any other PRESTO card with the added benefit that you don’t have to load it before use. It’ll charge as you go.

Not everyone has a credit card but once debit cards are added, it’ll cover the vast majority of people. There’ll still be one time use PRESTO tickets which can be purchased with cash and are given out in community centres and shelters for the less fortunate. Ultimately, we won’t need a transit card at all, removing much of the complexity that exists today.

Attachment Image
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)