May 29, 2019
FitBit Pay will be part of a Metropolitan Transportation Authority contactless payment pilot test that will allow riders to use mobile devices to pay their fare on selected New York City subway and bus routes starting May 31.
Eligible FitBit devices will include Fitbit Charge 3 Special Edition, Fitbit Versa Special Edition and Fitbit Ionic wearables. Commuters who have enabled payments on one of these devices will be able to tap-to-pay on public transit rides without needing to pull out their wallet or smartphone.
The pilot test will include all Staten Island buses and the 4, 5 and 6 subway lines between the Grand Central stop and Atlantic Avenue Barclays Center stop in downtown Brooklyn.
"We're excited to work with FitBit and others to help us provide added value and everyday convenience to our customers," Al Putre, One Metro New York executive director at the MTA, said in a company release. "We are always looking for ways to enhance the transit experience and help New Yorkers and visitors alike get to their destination faster and make payment more convenient, and now they can do so with any FitBit wearable that supports FitBit pay with a simple tap of the wrist."
FitBit users can add up to six credit or debit cards to their FitBit wallet in the FitBit app, which is available for Android or iOS devices. FitBit uses NFC technology in its smartwatches and fitness trackers to let users pay at millions of retail stores around the world. FitBit works with cards issued by 300 banks and credit unions in 42 countries around the world via the Visa, Mastercard and American Express networks.
FitBit Pay now works on seven major public transit systems, including the Chicago Transit Authority; the Singapore Land Transport Authority; Sydney Transport for New South Wales train, ferry and light rail; Taiwan iPass; Vancouver Translink; and Transport for London.
OMNY contactless mobile payment capability will expand to the full NY public transit system by 2020.
Topics: Card Brands, Mobile Apps, Mobile Payments, NFC, POS, Technology Providers, Transaction Processing
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