Sagami Railway (Sotetsu), a major private rail company in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, has announced plans to introduce contactless payment across all lines starting from spring 2026. This move aims to modernize the passenger experience, simplify fare collection, and enhance operational efficiency.
The new system allows passengers to use credit cards, debit cards, or smartphones equipped with contactless payment technology to enter and exit stations. This eliminates the need for paper tickets or preloaded fare cards, ensuring a smooth and convenient travel experience for daily commuters and tourists alike. Learn more about contactless payment technology at Visa Contactless Payment and discover other innovative transit solutions on our Japan Transport Updates page.
By implementing contactless payment, the railway expects to significantly speed up entry and exit processes at stations. Faster boarding reduces congestion, optimizes passenger flow, and ensures trains run on schedule, benefiting both commuters and the railway operator. For a deeper look into global best practices in transit efficiency, see Metro Magazine – Contactless Payments in Transit.
For international visitors, contactless payment offers a major advantage. Travelers unfamiliar with local ticketing systems can easily pay using familiar credit or debit cards, promoting tourism and improving accessibility to Japan’s public transport network.
The introduction of contactless payment also supports better safety and hygiene at stations. Reducing physical contact with tickets and cash minimizes the risk of germs spreading, which is particularly important in crowded urban environments and during flu seasons or health emergencies.
The new payment system is designed to integrate smoothly with other transportation networks in Japan. Passengers can link their contactless payments to metro lines, buses, and other railway companies, creating a more unified and convenient travel experience across multiple transit modes.
By moving away from paper tickets and reducing the need for ticket vending machines, the contactless system helps conserve resources and reduces energy consumption. This initiative supports Sagami Railway’s sustainability goals and contributes to a greener public transportation infrastructure.
While the system will initially roll out across all Sagami Railway lines in spring 2026, there are plans to expand its use to other regional rail networks. This could eventually create a nationwide seamless contactless payment network, making public transportation even more convenient for passengers across Japan.
Contactless payment technology allows for the collection of real-time data on passenger movements and travel patterns. This information helps the railway company optimize train schedules, manage peak-hour congestion, and plan infrastructure upgrades more effectively.
Alongside the new payment system, Sagami Railway will enhance customer support through mobile apps and digital platforms. Passengers can monitor their travel history, manage payment methods, and receive real-time notifications about service updates, delays, or station information.
Implementing contactless payment is expected to lower operational costs by reducing the need for ticket printing, maintenance of vending machines, and handling of cash. This allows the railway company to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in service improvements and infrastructure enhancements.
The move aligns with Japan’s broader push toward a cashless society. Encouraging digital payments not only improves convenience but also prepares passengers for future innovations in financial technology and smart city integration.
Ultimately, the introduction of contactless payment aims to enhance passenger satisfaction. Faster, simpler, and more hygienic transactions lead to a better travel experience, reinforcing customer loyalty and attracting new riders to the railway system.
Sagami Railway is conducting extensive testing and staff training to ensure a smooth rollout of the contactless payment system by spring 2026. Public awareness campaigns and tutorials will help passengers adapt quickly to the new system, ensuring a seamless transition.
The introduction of contactless payment on all Sagami Railway lines marks a significant step toward modernizing public transport in Japan. With benefits ranging from convenience and efficiency to hygiene and sustainability, this system is set to redefine the travel experience for commuters and tourists alike, positioning Sagami Railway as a leader in innovative transit solutions.
