The Fitbit on your wrist will soon be able to pay for NYC subway & bus rides
From May 31st, you’ll be able to pay with an NFC-enabled Fitbit device for journeys on select buses and trains in New York.
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Available on Ionic and special editions of Versa, and Charge 3, Fitbit Pay provides users with easy access to their credit and debit cards. With a swing of the wrist it allows them to make payments on the go, right from the watch or fitness tracker.
The payment system launched some two years ago and is now live in more than 40 countries is supported by more than 300 banks and credit unions. A full list of participating institutions can be seen on this link.
Today’s news means Fitbit Pay support is now available in seven major transit systems around the world. This includes New York, Chicago, Singapore, Sydney, Taiwan, London, and Vancouver.
New York is only the second US city to get the functionality. From May 31st, Fitbit users will be able to tap on and off at transit readers with their NFC enabled device through a pilot program called One Metro New York (OMNY).
To pay, simply press and hold the left button on your device for 2 seconds. Navigate to the Payments screen (if not already shown) and enter your 4-digit PIN code. You can then pay with your default card (or choose a different one) by holding your wrist near the transit reader. A vibration will indicate the payment was successful.
The contactless functionality will be supported by buses servicing Staten Island and all stops on the 4, 5 and 6 subway lines between Grand Central and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center. The MTA says it plans to extend support to the entire system by 2021.
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