Tokyu Railways has initiated a testing phase for a new system allowing passengers to pass through ticket gates using their credit cards. The primary objective is to simplify train fare payments for international tourists, NHK reports.
The trial, which commenced on August 30, is underway on the Denen-toshi Line, linking Shibuya Station in central Tokyo with Kanagawa Prefecture. Passengers can purchase a one-day pass online and then conveniently tap their credit cards at the station gates, eliminating the need for physical ticket or pass purchases.
The company intends to expand the availability of this service to more stations, with the ultimate goal of enabling passengers to use the system without the need for advance pass purchases.
Takesako Keiko from Tokyu Railways stated, "Our aim is to streamline the experience for tourists by enabling them to use their credit cards from their home countries to pay for train fares."
Presently, foreign travelers are required to either purchase individual journey tickets or obtain a transit card exclusively valid within Japan. Similar credit card payment options for train fares are already operational on the Enoshima Electric Railway, located south of Tokyo, and in the city of Fukuoka in the west. Tokyo Metro is planning to pilot a comparable system in the capital.
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