#Japan #Tokyo #JR East #Vacan #Q Ticket

Introduction to Q Ticket System

In an effort to improve the experience for travelers during peak seasons, Vacan Corporation has partnered with JR East to introduce a new queuing and waiting system called Q Ticket at 23 locations of the 'Midori no Madoguchi'. As the year-end holiday rush approaches, this innovative solution aims to alleviate congestion at train stations, providing travelers with a more organized and stress-free experience.

Background of Implementation

Public transportation, especially railways, regularly faces congestion challenges. During critical periods such as year-end holidays and long weekends, train stations, particularly the Midori no Madoguchi, experience long queues, placing significant strain on both customers and staff. Travelers often find themselves asking whether they should wait in line for a ticket at the counter or opt for a ticket machine. They could also wonder how long the wait might be, leading to uncertainty and frustration.

JR East recognized the need to enhance the waiting experience for its passengers, aiming to allow passengers to utilize their time wisely while they wait. As part of these efforts, they adopted the Q Ticket system to provide a more efficient waiting process.

Details of the Q Ticket Implementation

Through the Q Ticket system installed at the Midori no Madoguchi counters, users can acquire a waiting ticket without standing in line. Digital signage and a dedicated mobile website have been set up for users to check current waiting times and queue statuses in real time. This system allows travelers to select the optimal method for purchasing their tickets based on the current crowd levels, whether at the counter, through ticket machines, or online services.

During busy travel periods like the year-end rush, users can benefit from various features:

• - After obtaining a Q Ticket, they can spend their waiting time at nearby areas such as ticket gates, waiting rooms, or shops and only return to the counter when their turn is close.
• - They can check the current status via their smartphones, allowing for flexible decisions, such as switching to ticket machines or online purchases, depending on congestion.
• - By minimizing the number of people standing in lines, the system also helps reduce crowding in aisles and waiting areas, thus lowering user stress levels.

Overall, the Q Ticket system not only improves the waiting experience during peak congestion periods but also ensures smoother station operations overall.

Digital Queuing Management with Q Ticket

The Q Ticket system is designed to manage waiting orders and check-ins through a kiosk without the need for staff assistance. Users can operate a tablet at the service counter to obtain a paper ticket with a unique number. By scanning the QR code on their ticket, they can register their contact details and receive notifications as their turn approaches. Travelers are no longer required to wait on-site, allowing them to engage in other activities during their waiting period, while facilities can effectively prevent the buildup of queues.

Facility management can monitor and manage the flow of people through a centralized dashboard, ensuring a streamlined process for all users.

About Vacan Corporation

Vacan Corporation, led by CEO Takanobu Kawano, was established in June 2016. More information can be found on their website here. Headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Vacan is recognized as a J-Startup company selected by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The company employs IoT and AI technologies to detect occupancy levels across a range of environments, including restaurants, cafes, restrooms, tourist spots, evacuation centers, and polling stations, providing real-time updates via digital signage and mobile notifications. By offering extensive services such as crowd management and reducing unnecessary waiting times, Vacan aims to transform the overall user experience in public spaces.