Eleven major rail companies in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area are collaborating to create a unified postpaid tap-to-pay system, helping passengers travel seamlessly across multiple operators through one digital fare network.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area Rail Operators Launch Unified Tap-to-Pay
Photo: en.traicy.com

Tokyo Metropolitan Area Partners Develop a Shared Fare System

Eleven key railway operators from the Tokyo Metropolitan Area have signed an agreement to establish an integrated contactless payment platform. The initiative aims to remove fare barriers between private and municipal rail networks.

Don’t miss…Stadler Citylink Expands Utah’s Light Rail Network with Local Production

They are working with OMRON Social Solutions, Sumitomo Mitsui Card, JCB, and QUADRAC to deliver a flexible, postpaid model that uses credit cards and compatible devices. This approach will enhance convenience, streamline fare processing, and reduce operational costs.

Because Tokyo’s complex transit ecosystem includes numerous companies, many commuters now juggle separate tickets or prepaid cards such as Suica and PASMO. The upcoming system will connect these networks through real-time data exchange and automatic fare reconciliation.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area to Pioneer Interoperable Contactless Payments

Under the partnership, the group will link OMRON’s new fare-calculation engine with two core platforms: stera transit, a contactless payment framework by Sumitomo Mitsui Card, and Q-move, a SaaS-based mobility platform from QUADRAC. Together, they will create a cross-company payment structure ready for large-scale deployment.

Field trials are scheduled for 2025, with full operation expected by spring 2026. The project aligns with Japan’s digital-payment expansion strategy and the government’s goal of reducing cash handling in public infrastructure.

Commuters will soon be able to tap their credit cards directly at gates, eliminating the need for top-ups or ticket purchases. This integration also sets a precedent for other Japanese cities to follow, reinforcing Tokyo’s role as a global leader in transit innovation.

Source: en.traicy.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…OMNY modernizes New York City’s fare payment system

What is the goal of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area tap-to-pay project?

The goal is to create a unified postpaid contactless payment system across multiple rail operators, making travel faster and more convenient for passengers.

When will the new system in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area launch?

Testing begins in 2025, and full service is expected by spring 2026, according to the participating companies.

Can passengers use their existing credit cards for this system?

Yes. The system will allow direct use of contactless credit cards and devices, removing the need for prepaid cards or cash transactions.

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit