Tsukuba City Launches Innovative MaaS App 'TsukuTicket' for Seamless Travel Experience

Introduction

On December 1, 2025, Tsukuba City will officially commence an exciting new project that leverages technology to improve mobility and tourism experiences for residents and visitors alike. This initiative revolves around the smartphone application 'TsukuTicket', aimed at revolutionizing the way users interact with various forms of transportation and services in the city. The project is a collaboration among significant stakeholders including Kanto Railway, Metropolitan New Town Railway, Tsukuba Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tsukuba Tourism Railway, JTB Corporation, and Hitachi Ltd.

Project Overview

'TsukuTicket' promises to offer users a unified platform that integrates multiple transportation methods such as trains, buses, and share bicycles alongside services related to tourism, shopping, and dining. With this app, users can bypass traditional ticket purchasing, gaining the flexibility to modify travel plans spontaneously, which is particularly beneficial in case of unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather.

Upon downloading ‘TsukuTicket’, users can take advantage of discounts reaching up to 40% based on their total expenditures on transportation, attractions, dining, and shopping. The total amount will be settled in a post-transaction format which not only delivers convenience but enhances the overall travel experience in Tsukuba.

Enhancing Accessibility

The underlying goal of this initiative is to facilitate a smoother navigation experience for all users, whether they are local residents or tourists. Currently, the need for multiple payment systems and varying ticketing methods presents inconvenience, obstructing an enjoyable and streamlined experience. Such barriers hinder community engagement in local businesses, which is crucial for regional economic revitalization.

By addressing these challenges with ‘TsukuTicket’, users can seamlessly transition between different transport modes and destination services with just a few clicks.

Implementation Details

The project is set to run from December 1, 2025, until January 31, 2026, excluding the New Year holidays from December 27, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Participation will be available exclusively for those utilizing iOS devices.

How to Participate

1. Download the 'TsukuTicket' app from the specified website and complete the registration process.
2. For public transport, have the app ready to show at ticket gates or when disembarking.
3. For dining and retail services, read the special code provided by the app during check-out to register your spending.
4. Discounts will be determined based on the operational records of transport, tourism, retail, and dining, with residents benefitting from a one-month gross expenditure, while non-residents will be assessed over a week.
5. Payments will be processed post can after the operational period through registered credit cards.

Supporting Framework

The collaborative effort incorporates multiple local organizations focused on ensuring broader access to transportation via public systems, including:

- Kanto Railway: Managing route execution through bus services.
- Metropolitan New Town Railway: Overseeing train operations.
- Tsukuba: Handling rental cycles and enhancing cyclist traffic.
- Tsukuba Tourism Railway: Managing cable car and ropeway operations at Mt. Tsukuba.
- Tsukuba Convention and Visitors Bureau: Coordinating tourism and retail adjustments.
- JTB Corporation: Managing user experiences across transport, tourism, and retail sectors alongside payment processing.
- Hitachi: Developing the integrated ticketing system essential for operation and supporting data analytics for travel patterns.

Conclusion

The launch of 'TsukuTicket' represents a significant leap forward in creating a cutting-edge Mobility as a Service (MaaS) ecosystem in Tsukuba City. By allowing for unprecedented flexibility and interconnectedness in travel and service utilization, the app enhances experiences for both visitors and residents, promoting the local economy and ensuring a more vibrant community overall.