Credit: Apple Inc/appadvice.com
Apple Pay is a system allowing users to make payments for goods & services using selected Apple mobile devices.
It launched in Britain on 14 July1. Transport for London (TfL) will accept payment via Apple Pay2. In common with other automated payment systems for public transport, users have to “tap on & tap off”. This allows the transport provider to know the length of the user’s journey, & so, how much to charge. A user who doesn’t “tap off” is charged the maximum fare.
If the phone battery runs out during the journey, or the device becomes inoperative for any other reason, the user will be unable to “tap off” & will be charged the maximum fare.
TfL carriages have power points fitted. A few minutes of charging could give enough charge to "tap off". Not worth it, as Robin Lee, found, when he was arrested for charging his phone on a London train.
Like the Robin Lee story, using Apple Pay on TfL gets worse.
If a ticket inspector boards the train, & the device is inoperative (i.e. unable to provide evidence of having "tapped on"), the user is also liable to be charged a penalty.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/apple-pay-tfl-says-users-will-face-penalty-charges-if-their-battery-runs-out-on-the-tube-10394417.html
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/16/tfl-cautions-pitfalls-apple-pay
Lessons learnt:
● don’t use Apple Pay on TfL
● don’t use Apple Pay for public transport in other places unless you are aware of the possible consequences
If you decide to ignore the advice above:
● before you decide to use a power point on public transport, make sure you understand the applicable rules (see the Robin Lee story, linked above)
● always carry a backup battery__________
1 “Apple Pay Now LIVE In UK! HSBC & First Direct Join The Party”, http://www.knowyourmobile.com/ios/apple-pay/23175/apple-pay-now-live-in-uk-how-it-works-setting-up-card
2 “Apple Pay UK: how to get it & how to use it in shops & on the Tube”, http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/apple-pay-how-to-get-it-and-how-to-use-it-10386268.html
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