Hanalog

Kippu = Japanese for “ticket”

Every subway system is different when it comes to purchasing and using tickets. The ease of acquiring and using a ticket can make a big difference on one’s commuting experience. Tokyo is different than what I experienced in New York and Boston, but is it better?

The NYC Transit Subway issues “metro cards” from a vending machine. You can buy a fixed number of rides, offering a free pass with a certain level of purchase. (by 10 rides, get 1 free kinda thing). You can also buy a single pass or monthly unlimited pass (1 price for unlimited rides over 30 days). Boston, honestly I don’t know any more. When I lived there they continued to use coins that you bought from the train station attendants. I wonder if they have set up vending machines yet or if they are still handling it old school. To use the coins or tickets, you swipe or insert then upon entry to the station .. and then you are done with your ticket. The turnstile either keeps the coin or you toss your ticket when you have used all the rides. You simply exit a one-way turnstile when you get off the train.

The Tokyo Metro, on the other hand, is set up slightly differently. Similar to NYC, there are several ticket purchasing options. Tokyo-ites rely much more on the train systems then New Yorkers, largely because the cost of taxis are 3 times the cost. The most common ticket is a single ride, though they also have prepaid tickets (Passnet cards) for 1000¥, 3000¥ and 5000¥ (roughly US$10, $30, and $50). This is convenient, but no free rides… hmf.

The yellow circle at the bottom left is the station that you are standing at. The numbers (160, 190) are the cost to get to that particular station from your current location. Notice how the farther from the (yellow) station .. the more the ticket price costs. (190¥ is still only US$1.60)

The first (of the 2) biggest difference between the Tokyo and Boston/NYC systems is the price for ride. In Boston/NYC, the price is fixed. $1.50 in Boston (i think) and $2.00 in NYC. When purchasing a ticket in Tokyo, you need to check the destination of your commute because the cost to commute will depend on which station you exit. The trip may cost as little as 160¥ ($1.35) – up to 230¥ ($2.00) within Tokyo. The

The second biggest difference is the fact that you actually keep your ticket once inserting it into the gate. There is no turnstile .. just a gate. When you insert your ticket into the gate, it will calculate whether you have the minimum fare (160¥ within Tokyo) on your metro card. If you don’t have the minimum fare, then doors will swing in front of you to prevent you from walking through. If you do, the electronic gate will calculate the cost for your trip and print it on the back of the card before spitting it out. You then take your ticket and insert it into the gate at your destination station as you exit. If you do not have enough money on your ticket, the gate will beep and you will need to go to a vending machine prior to the gate and adjust the payment.

Pretty complicated? It’s actually pretty efficient .. and more cost effective than NYC or Boston. The fares are fare. Go figure. You are charged on your distance of travel. Even though a fixed price is nice if you are commuting far .. the Tokyo fares are 1/4 – 1/2 cheaper on average. It is not even just the price .. everything is clockwork and everyone seems to be in the zone. You will notice people “shi—n” you (kinda like a way to verbalize/articulate a pause .. for having to wait for you) if you don’t have your passnet ticket prepped and ready as you walk towards the gate. Fumbling is the sign of a tourist. There is no pushing or shouting (or talking for that matter) but everyone moves swiftly and with a purpose.