Osaka-based railway operator Hankyu Corp. has recorded more than 800 million yen in extra yearly revenue with the introduction of its new system to prevent passengers from cheating on train fares.
Learning from its success, firms in the Kanto region have introduced similar systems this year. Cheating has apparently dwindled following the introduction of a new ticket machine linked with the wicket. Passengers wishing to use their commuter pass for the final portion of their trip must first put their pass in the machine when buying tickets. The exit gate will close if this process is omitted.
Under the old system, passengers were able to cheat by buying the minimum fare at a station not covered by their pass and getting out at their destination with their pass. Hankyu Corp. introduced the system two years ago.
East Japan Railway Co. introduced a similar system March 25. Sagami Railway Co. followed suit on April 1. "We have received positive reports so far," a Sagami Railway official said.
Each company has a different system to prevent passengers from cheating. Passengers must present both their pass and ticket when they leave lines run by West Japan Railway, which introduced a similar system in March 1997.