OSAKA –
Osaka Metro plans to abolish magnetic tickets and substitute them with QR code-based tickets round fiscal 2031, as declining use and the price of sustaining standard ticket gates speed up the shift towards digital fare programs.
The operator has seen utilization of magnetic tickets steadily decline as transportation IC playing cards have turn out to be widespread.
Magnetic tickets additionally pose upkeep challenges as a result of they’ll turn out to be caught in ticket gates, whereas the gear wanted to course of them requires important upkeep work and expense.
In response, Osaka Metro has selected a coverage of ending the usage of magnetic tickets round fiscal 2031 and introducing tickets printed with QR codes, in accordance with individuals aware of the matter.
The firm is contemplating issuing passengers paper tickets carrying printed QR codes that may be scanned at QR-compatible ticket gates already put in in any respect Osaka Metro stations.
Other railway operators within the Kansai area, together with JR West and Keihan Electric Railway, are additionally contemplating strikes away from magnetic tickets because the trade seeks to scale back reliance on standard magnetic fare know-how.
Source: YOMIURI