Apple and Metrolinx introduce PRESTO card for iPhone and Apple Watch

Apple and Metrolinx today introduced an easy, secure, and private way to tap to ride transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) using Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch. Within the Wallet app, customers can now add a new PRESTO card and add funds to ride transit throughout the GTHA.¹ Riders can purchase and add funds to PRESTO in Wallet from the PRESTO app or directly from Wallet, and use an iPhone or Apple Watch to tap and ride.

“We’re thrilled to bring PRESTO to Apple Wallet, enabling GTHA residents and visitors alike to securely and seamlessly use their iPhone or Apple Watch to ride transit,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “Whether they’re commuting to work or exploring the city, PRESTO in Apple Wallet makes the transit experience easy and convenient.”

Add PRESTO to Wallet and Reload on the Go

Starting today, users can quickly and easily add a new PRESTO card to Wallet by opening the Wallet app, tapping the Add (+) button, selecting “Transit Card,” and following the instructions. Users can also add their registered physical PRESTO card to their iPhone or Apple Watch by selecting their card in the PRESTO app and following the onscreen instructions.

With PRESTO in Wallet, users no longer need to reload their card at transit hubs or participating retailers. They can add funds from the PRESTO app or directly in Wallet. Users can also purchase passes such as TTC Monthly Pass from the PRESTO iOS app and add them to PRESTO in Wallet.

Tap to Ride Using PRESTO in Wallet

PRESTO in Wallet allows for an easy and convenient transit experience. With Express Mode enabled, a user can simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a reader to ride transit in the GTHA without having to unlock or wake up their device.² With power reserve on iPhone, if a customer’s device needs to be charged, they can still use it to ride transit.³

Tap to Ride with a Credit or Debit Card with Apple Pay

If users prefer to pay as they go, they can also add their credit and debit cards⁴ to Apple Pay and simply tap their iPhone or Apple Watch to ride transit with Express Mode — with no need to unlock or even wake up their device.

Security and Privacy

PRESTO in Wallet takes full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. PRESTO cards stored in Wallet are private and secure, and Apple never tracks users’ journeys. When customers add a PRESTO card to Wallet, the card information is encrypted and securely stored in the Secure Element, an industry-standard, certified chip designed to store the information safely on the device. If a user’s iPhone or Apple Watch is misplaced, the owner of the device can promptly use the Find My app to lock and help locate the device.