#Japan #Tokyo #Park24 #Cashless Payment #Times Club

Recent Trends in Cashless Payments for Transport Services

Park 24 Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo's Shinagawa Ward, has recently shared the findings of its survey regarding payment methods in transport services. Conducted among members of its driver-focused service, Times Club, the survey reveals noteworthy insights into the increasing acceptance of cashless payment methods among commuters.

Key Survey Findings:

1. Over 80% of train commuters use cashless payment methods.
2. The most popular cashless payment option is credit cards, with 74% usage.
3. QR/barcode payments are highly desired at parking lots, with 58% supporting its use.

Every month, Park 24 discloses its findings from surveys focusing on automobiles and transportation. This month’s survey about payment methods in transit services highlights a significant trend: cashless transactions are becoming the dominantly preferred payment approach.

Cashless Payment in Train Services

Among transport services, rail transportation, particularly traditional train services, leads at a remarkable 83% cashless payment adoption rate. In contrast, parking lots were identified as the service with the highest cash payment ratio, standing at 42%.

The data indicates that traditional trains, Shinkansen (bullet trains), and local buses see cashless payments that greatly exceed cash transactions by over 50 percentage points. However, in the case of parking lots and bike racks, cash payments exceed cashless payments by 6 percentage points, indicating that these areas still heavily rely on cash.

Comparing this survey with results from 2021 suggests a noteworthy decline in cash payments across all transport services, while the preference for cashless methods is clearly on the rise. Interestingly, taxi services saw cash payments decrease by 13 points while cashless payments increased by 11 points, marking the most significant shift in payment methods documented.

Preferred Cashless Payment Methods

When utilizing cashless payment options for transport services, credit cards remain the most favored choice among users, accounting for 74% of transactions. Following closely are electronic money options at 70% and QR/barcode payments at 42%. The widespread adoption of both credit cards and electronic money—which includes various types of transport and retail electronic payment systems—underlines a robust trend toward cashless transactions in the mobility sector.

Demand for Electronic Payments in Parking Services

Despite a strong presence of cash payments in parking services, survey respondents expressed a clear preference for QR and barcode payments, with 58% indicating it would be convenient at payment terminals. Electronic money options followed closely at 52%, while credit cards were preferred by 48% of respondents.

This survey demonstrates a marked increase in cashless payment acceptance throughout transportation sectors; however, it also reveals that cash payments remain predominant in certain areas, particularly parking facilities. In alignment with these trends, Times Parking offers a range of payment methods, including credit cards, transportation IC cards, and QR code payments, striving to drive the transition toward cashless parking.

For users interested in parking solutions, Times Parking provides a web tool called "Parking Information" along with a mobile app, which allows prior verification of payment options available at specific parking lots—making it easier than ever to manage parking transactions.
Explore Times Parking Information

Survey Details

• - Participants: Times Club members who joined after August 27, 2024.
• - Method: Confidential internet survey.
• - Duration: August 29 - September 9, 2025.
• - Valid Responses: 4,927 members.

The results indicate a clear, ongoing shift towards cashless payment methods in mobility services. This evolution not only reflects advances in technology but also aligns with changing consumer preferences for convenience and efficiency in daily transportation.