#Japan #Sapporo #Sapporo Subway #Touch Payment #Sapporo City

Sapporo's Subway Introduces Touch Payment Trials in 2025

On April 26, 2025, Sapporo City will initiate a new phase in public transportation by launching a trial for touch payment systems at all 49 stations of the Sapporo Subway. This initiative will allow passengers to board using contactless credit, debit, or prepaid cards, as well as their smartphones set up for touch payments, enhancing convenience for both residents and visitors alike.

Sapporo's Mayor, Katsuhiro Akimoto, and the city’s transportation authority, led by Shizuo Shibai, are collaborating with a range of financial institutions and tech companies. Notable participants include Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, Visa Worldwide Japan, and several regional banks. This trial aims to simplify the ticketing process for those who previously relied on cash or had difficulties navigating the subway ticketing system.

Objectives of the Touch Payment Trials

The primary goal of the trial is to facilitate a smoother experience for visitors to Sapporo and those who have traditionally used cash to purchase tickets. The Sapporo DX Lab is spearheading this initiative, which leverages advanced digital technology. The touch payment system will be particularly useful during peak tourist seasons and for residents who prefer cashless transactions.

How the Touch Payment Works

Passengers will simply need to hold their touch-enabled cards or smartphones up to special readers installed at select automatic ticket gates in the subway system. This easy-to-use method eliminates the need to purchase tickets or IC cards, making access to the subway more seamless.

Participating Stations

The trial will encompass all stations along the Sapporo Subway's three lines: the Namboku Line, the Tozai Line, and the Toyohira Line. Notably, the automatic ticket gates equipped with touch readers will feature wider openings designed for improved accessibility, ensuring that all passengers, including those with disabilities, can utilize the new system without difficulty.

Trial Implementation and Fees

The touch payment system will officially begin on the first train of April 26, 2025. All users will be subject to the standard adult fares, and discounts for children or transfers will not be applicable during the trial. Users will be able to monitor their payment history through the Q-move website, which will require account registration to access.

Involvement of Financial Institutions

Several companies are playing crucial roles in the project:

• - Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company: Providing the stella transit platform and promoting cashless systems.
• - Visa Worldwide: Offering solutions tailored for Visa's touch payment features.
• - Local Banks: They will run promotional campaigns throughout the Hokkaido Region.
• - QUADRAC: Supplying the SaaS platform for transport payment and authentication.
• - Japan Signal Co., Ltd.: Responsible for developing the ticket gate systems that support touch payments.

Benefits of Touch Payment

Touch payments utilize internationally recognized security technologies, ensuring not only speed but also a safe transaction process. With this system, consumers won't need a signature or PIN for small transactions, improving the overall user experience. Touch payments have already seen widespread adoption in convenience stores, fast food outlets, supermarkets, and more, and the introduction of this payment method on public transport is expected to broaden its acceptance.

The trial also stands to improve local conditions in various ways, including by encouraging cashless transactions, promoting tourism, and enhancing public health protocols amid ongoing concerns related to infections. This initiative aligns with global trends in smart city development and modernizing urban transit systems.

In conclusion, the Sapporo Subway's touch payment trials establish a significant step towards embracing digital transformation and enhancing public transport accessibility, paving the way for more innovations in the future.