More Tokyo Trains Are Supporting Credit Card Touch Payments
Is this another stake in the heart of Japan’s beloved IC cards? Several Tokyo train companies announce credit card tap payment support.
Is this the beginning of the end for Japan’s beloved IC transportation cards? Two train systems in Tokyo say they’ve started a large-scale experiment with credit card contactless payments to make life easier for tourists.
I wrote earlier this year about how Tokyu Railway’s Denentoshi line had launched an initial experiment with credit card touchless payments. Now, Tokyu says they’ve expanded the experiment to 10 stations, including Haneda Airport, for a total of 36 stations in total.
Not to be left behind, Toei Subway, run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, has installed card readers in December for the critical Oedo and Asakusa lines, numbering a total of 26 stations.
Tokyo Metro, which operates the Ginza, Hanzomon, and Marunouchi lines, says they will also introduce contactless payments in March. The city of Fukuoka, on Japan’s island of Kyushu, currently supports credit card tap for all three city-operated lines.
