Google Rolls Out Direct Setup for Express Transit Cards on Pixel Watch

Google has finally rolled out direct setup for Express Transit Cards on its Pixel Watch series. The latest Google System Update, released about a month ago, announced the feature update for 'Express Pay'. This allows users to configure the setting directly on their watch, instead of requiring setup through the paired Android device.

The Express Pay setting has been added under Settings in the Wear OS version of the Google Wallet app. This enables quick, tap-only transit boarding and in-store purchases using NFC-based credit card payments. Users can turn this setting on in advance to use their watch for transit and store payments without needing to unlock the device.

The standalone Express Pay setup is currently available on the next-generation Google Pixel smartwatch, but it's expected to roll out progressively via the latest version of the Wear OS Google Play services app. The update was announced in the Google System Release Notes, which summarizes system updates designed to improve security and reliability.