Apparently Apple has reached an agreement for the Smart Navigo card of the Paris transport network to work through Apple Pay. Therefore, users will be able to access buses and the metro system, starting in February 2021. At the moment neither Apple nor Île-de-France-Mobilités have confirmed it. However, it seems that the problems that did not stop its use until now have completely disappeared.
Smart Navigo launching on Apple Pay in February: updated for January 20 Navigo Easy card iPhone recharge service start https://t.co/fMGJwcdxoX pic.twitter.com/rwqrhOSMws
- Ata Distance (@Kanjo) January 7, 2021
Smart Navigo, the city's digital mobile transit card, was launched in September 2019. However, its success was clouded by the need for direct secure authentication. This is also the reason why Apple Pay cannot currently be implemented to pay for user travel, as it would prevent authentication from Navigo.
However, starting in February, users will likely be able to add a Smart Navigo card to Apple Wallet. This will allow an iPhone or Apple Watch to facilitate travel around the city. Users also may pay in advance subway tickets with Apple Pay. Including a weekly or monthly pass, and add it to your Navigo card in Wallet.
It is necessary that the secure authentication that Smart Navigo boasts has to be eliminated sometime in this year 2021 in the means of transport in France. This will allow Apple Pay be used directly to cross public transport networks as it does in London or New York. By the way in the latter, a few days ago it was announced that it has already been extended and Apple Pay can be used across your entire network without distinction.
We will have to wait for confirmation by either of the two companies to find out if this rumor becomes a reality. Sure many users are looking forward to it.