Google Wallet Fixes Its Most Annoying Flaw
▼ Summary
– Google Wallet is improving but still lacks features that prevent some users from switching from competitors like Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.
– The company is developing a new “Express Transit Card” feature to make transport payments faster and more seamless.
– This feature will allow users to select a specific credit or debit card exclusively for transit payments, separate from their default payment card.
– With Express Transit Card, users won’t need to unlock their phone to pay for transit, requiring only a simple tap on the terminal.
– The feature is currently in development and not yet available to general users, with no official release date announced.
For countless commuters, Google Wallet is poised to become a far more compelling alternative to competing payment apps thanks to a major upgrade currently in development. This enhancement directly tackles one of the most significant user frustrations, aiming to streamline the process of paying for public transportation.
A recent analysis of the app’s code revealed a new capability named “Express Transit Card.” This feature promises to function much like similar options found in Samsung Wallet and Apple Pay. The core idea is simple yet powerful: users will be able to designate a specific credit or debit card exclusively for transit fares. This card would operate independently from your primary default card used for everyday retail purchases.
The most substantial advantage of this setup is the dramatic improvement in speed and convenience. By assigning a card as your Express Transit Card, you will no longer be required to unlock your phone with a PIN or fingerprint to authorize a payment at a transit terminal. A simple, quick tap of your device against the reader will be all that’s needed to pay your fare and be on your way.
Currently, using Google Wallet for transit involves a more cumbersome process. If you have several payment cards stored, you must first unlock your phone, manually select the correct card for transit, and then complete the tap-to-pay transaction. This multi-step procedure can create frustrating delays, especially during busy rush hours when every second counts.
The upcoming “Express Transit Card” functionality is designed specifically to eliminate these pain points, creating a genuinely seamless transit payment experience. It’s important to note that this feature is still under active development and is not yet available to the public. Google has not announced an official release date, but once it launches, users will find the option to select their preferred transit card within the Google Wallet Settings menu.
(Source: Android Police)
