Google has been working with transit agencies across the globe to bring Google Pay support and make it easier for users to pay for their public transit journeys. New York City is now joining that list. The city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority is going to enable the “pay per ride” feature for phones starting May 31st as part of a public pilot at select subway stations and Staten Island buses.
Google Pay on MTA is a part of OMNY, the contactless payment fare system which lets commuters tap and go with their payment card or mobile device. When the pilot program goes live, users will be able to pay with Google Pay at all Staten Island buses and subway stations along the 4-5-6 lines between Grand Central and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center.
This means that they don’t have to stand in line for a MetroCard. They can use Google Pay on their phone to ride without even having to open the app or unlock the device. It’s going to cost the same as a single ride MetroCard. It’s safer since commuters don’t have to worry about losing their MetroCard and no credit or debit card information is shared by Google Pay.
Subway riders in New York City can also take advantage of Google Assistant’s real-time transit feature starting today. They can ask questions like “Hey Google, when is the next train?” and the Assistant will provide the train’s ETA as well as walking directions to the station. This feature works on Android phones and all smart speakers or smart displays.
Filed in . Read more about Google Pay. Source: blog.google