News JR East to introduce touchless gates using Suica data within 10 years

[thomas]

JR East is planning to revolutionize the way passengers use its railway system. By the end of the decade, they aim to introduce walk-through gates that will eliminate the need for passengers to tap their Suica cards at ticket barriers. The company plans to achieve this by tracking the location data of Mobile Suica users through a central server. Additionally, they intend to link Suica cards to credit cards or bank accounts, allowing passengers to pay for their fares after their journey without the need to pre-load their cards with funds.

The company is also planning a major update to the Mobile Suica app for around fall 2026, which will include increasing the current recharge limit from 20,000 yen ($132) and adding new features, such as the ability to send and receive electronic money between users. JR East also aims to enhance regional services. It plans to link Suica with My Number identification cards, enabling users to access demand-responsive buses, receive vouchers and benefits and use administrative services. The company aims to enhance the IC card's features and expand the Suica economic zone as part of its growth strategy.

JR East aims for touchless gates using Suica data within 10 years | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

JR East announces 10-year plan to drastically overhaul Suica

Dubbed the 'Suica Renaissance,' the plan involves redesigned ticket gates, new payment features and a subscription service.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[Petaris]

Not a fan of the idea of tracking users. I wonder how it will be done and where all the Suica users will be tracked. I could see it being used to track which stores you visit and how often and for them to sell that data.