#Japan #MaaS #Tsukuba #TsukuTicket

Transforming Travel in Tsukuba City with 'TsukuTicket'

In an innovative step towards enhancing urban mobility, a consortium including Kanto Railway Co., Ltd., the Metropolitan New Urban Transportation Corp., the Tsukuba Tourism Convention Association, Tsukuba Tourist Railway Co., Ltd., JTB Corp., and Hitachi Ltd., has announced the launch of a next-generation Mobility as a Service (MaaS) demonstration project in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. This exciting initiative will be accessible to residents and visitors starting December 1, 2025.

What is 'TsukuTicket'?

The 'TsukuTicket' app is designed to provide an all-encompassing travel solution, allowing users to download the app and seamlessly access a variety of transportation options, including trains, buses, and share bicycles. Additionally, it integrates services from the tourism, retail, and food sectors into one convenient platform. One of the standout features is the up to 40% discount on expenses incurred through the app, which can be settled post-usage, eliminating the need for advance purchases.

This flexibility enables tourists visiting Tsukuba City to modify their itineraries on the fly in response to factors such as inclement weather, transforming their travel experience into a more enjoyable and spontaneous journey. Similarly, local residents will benefit daily from discounts on transport and services through the 'TsukuTicket', making everyday life both economical and practical.

Objectives of the Demonstration

This demonstration aims to create a high-convenience, next-generation MaaS where various services—transport, tourism, retail, and dining—are easily accessed through one application. The app's flexibility is designed to promote the vibrant use of local services and ultimately energize the regional economy.

Implementation Framework

The initiative is commissioned by the Tsukuba Hands-Free Ticketing Joint Project, which is a collaborative group comprising the city of Tsukuba, the University of Tsukuba, the Tsukuba Smart City Council, Kanto Railway Co., Ltd., and Imagawa Commercial Co., Ltd. Notably, this project is part of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism initiative for the 2025 fiscal year, promoting and supporting MaaS.

Participants and Implementation Period

The demonstration will run from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, excluding the New Year holidays from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Participation will be limited to users who can download the 'TsukuTicket' app via iOS devices.

How to Participate

To join the demonstration, users can follow these steps:
1. Download 'TsukuTicket' from the dedicated website and fill in the necessary information.
2. For transport access, prepare the app screen before entering the ticket gate or alighting from buses for verification by staff.
3. When using tourism, retail, or dining services, show the app code at checkout for expense registration.
4. Local residents will receive discounts up to 40% based on their usage of transport and services within a month, while non-residents will have a one-week timeframe.
5. Payments will be processed post-usage via the registered credit card to ensure a smooth experience.

Services Included

The 'TsukuTicket' app covers various transport modes:
1. Rail Transport: Access to all stations in Tsukuba City and six major stations within the Tokyo area on the Tsukuba Express operated by the Metropolitan New Urban Transportation Corp.
2. Buses: Routes operated by Kanto Railway, including shuttle buses to Tsukuba Mountain and university circulation buses.
3. Bicycle Rentals: Rental services managed by the city at key locations.
4. Cable Cars & Ropeways: Services operated by Tsukuba Tourist Railway around Tsukuba Mountain.

Featured Attractions and Services

Numerous attractions are integrated with 'TsukuTicket', including:

• - Tsukuba Station Area: The National Museum of Nature and Science's Tsukuba Experimental Botanical Garden, local dining establishments, and shops.
• - Tsukuba Mountain Area: Hotels, adventure parks, observation points, and local delicacies.

Conclusion

With the impending launch of 'TsukuTicket', Tsukuba City is poised to set a new standard in urban mobility and local service accessibility. This innovative app promises to enrich the experiences of everyday commuting and travel, marking a significant step toward a more interconnected and efficient community.

Stay tuned for further updates and prepare to embrace seamless travel with 'TsukuTicket'!