Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has launched the UK’s first dedicated travel card integrated into Apple Wallet, allowing thousands of young people to use an iPhone or Apple Watch instead of a physical pass.
The digital Our Pass is available to 16- to 18-year-olds living in Greater Manchester, providing free bus travel, selected half-price tram journeys and local offers.
Users can add the pass through the Bee Network app and tap their device on ticket readers using Apple’s Express Mode.
TfGM developed the system with technology consultancy Softwire, connecting the digital pass to its existing ticketing infrastructure while meeting Apple Wallet’s security requirements. Pass information is encrypted and stored in the device’s Secure Element.
The launch marks a step in the Bee Network’s push to digitize Greater Manchester’s public transport system, with TfGM signaling potential for more passes and tickets to move into Apple Wallet.
