#Japan #Tokyo #KokusaiKogyo #Cashless Bus #Tokyo Transport

Complete Cashless Bus Trial Launch by Kokusaikogyo

Kokusaikogyo, Inc., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has officially announced the trial operation of a fully cashless bus service. This initiative falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s 2025 Complete Cashless Bus Demonstration Project. The targeted route, designated as the A25 system, involves the Heart Island Circular Line and will take effect on October 27, 2025.

Overview of the Trial Operation

Target Routes

• - A25 System: Akabane Station East Exit – Heart Island Circular Line
• - A25-2 System: Akabane Station East Exit → Heart Island East Line
• - A25-3 System: Heart Island West → Akabane Station East Exit Line

Operation Schedule

The cashless bus service is set to run from October 27, 2025, until January 31, 2026 (tentatively).

Payment Methods

Passengers can utilize the following payment options:

• - National Transportation IC Cards (such as PASMO and Suica)
• - Kokusaikogyo Bus Coupons

Please note that cash payments will not be accepted.
Passengers can charge their cards on the bus; however, only 1000 yen notes will be accepted.
For seniors using the Tokyo Silver Pass, kindly present your pass to the driver upon boarding.

Purpose and Background of the Trial

The core objective of the complete cashless bus service is to automate fare collection, thereby easing the operational burden on drivers. This transition aims to enhance convenience by streamlining the boarding and alighting process for passengers, contributing to improved punctuality and overall service efficiency.

In the previous fiscal year, our company conducted a demonstration trial on a limited route, the J06 System from Urawa-Misono Station to Saitama Stadium (operating on event days), where the cashless payment usage surged to an impressive 99% from a starting point of 92%. This significant increase indicated notable effectiveness, prompting the current year’s project to explore cashless operations in commonly-used transit routes, which cater to a diverse ridership.

By undertaking this comprehensive trial, we aim to gather valuable insights into the challenges and benefits of fully cashless operations, setting the stage for prospective full-scale implementation of cashless bus services in Tokyo.

For further updates, please visit the Kokusaikogyo official website’s news page.