Apple Pay Coming To NYC's Public Transit This Summer

NEW YORK — Apple Pay is expected to hit the MTA's public transit system early this summer, the tech firm's chief executive announced Tuesday. That suggests straphangers will soon be able to use their iPhones to buy subway fares through the tap-to-pay technology.

Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed the plans during the company's quarterly earnings call on Tuesday. Apple Pay's expansion to the MTA system will come as the tech giant aims to bring the service to a total of 40 markets by the end of the year, he said.

"As we've seen in places like London, Tokyo and Shanghai, contactless entry into transit systems helps to spur broader Apple Pay adoption, and we believe this will get even more people using Apple Pay in the United States," Cook said.

Cook's announcement came as the MTA prepares to start testing its new tap-and-go fare payment system on May 31. Apple Pay and all other major payment platforms will be ready for straphangers to use when the test run starts, an MTA spokesman said.

During the test phase, riders will be able to pay with a cellphone or a contactless credit or debit card on the 4, 5 and 6 lines from Grand Central Terminal to Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, along with Staten Island buses.

Straphangers will only be able to pay full fares on a per-ride basis until the new system, known as OMNY, hits every subway station and bus route, according to the MTA's website.