On August 2, Ibaraki Kotsu, Michinori Holdings, Sumitomo Mitsui Card, Visa Worldwide Japan, Odawara Kiki, and QUADRAC announced the introduction of a new cashless payment system for all buses (approximately 400 buses) operated by Ibaraki Kotsu. The service is scheduled to begin around December 2023.
Currently, Ibaraki Kotsu buses have no means of payment other than IC cards and cash, and two incompatible IC card services, “Ibappi” (in the former Ibaraki Kotsu area) and “Dentetsu Hi-Card” (in the former Hitachi Dentetsu area), exist side by side. The new service will unify the services in all areas with “Ibappi” and newly enable fare payment by Visa touch and QR code payment, thereby improving convenience.
In addition, “Ibappi Web Service,” which allows users to complete various procedures on their PCs or smartphones without going to a ticket counter, will also be launched. The service allows users to purchase a continuous commuter pass whose expiration date is automatically renewed, apply for and cancel auto-charge, and make reservations for the purchase of new commuter passes online.
© Source travel watch