The JR Ishihoku Main Line Research and Demonstration Project Council, JR Hokkaido, Hokkaido Kitami Bus, Kitami City Bus, and Abashiri Bus will release “Kitami-Abashiri Round Trip Free Pass” and “Engaru-Kitami Abashiri Round Trip Free Pass,” electronic tickets for unlimited rides on the JR Ishihoku Main Line (Engaru to Abashiri area) and local buses. The period of use is from January 16 to February 23.
The system is being set up as a demonstration project for shared rides on railroads and local buses. Tickets are sold through the “OkhoNavi” or “Gurutto Hokkaido” portal sites operated by WellNet, and can be used by presenting the screen of a smartphone. No in-person sales at station ticket vending machines or bus ticket counters will be conducted.
There will be two types of free passes, each valid for two or three days, for different areas.
JR Line: Unlimited rides on ordinary and rapid trains (ordinary unreserved seats) on the Ishihoku Main Line (between Engaru Station or Kitami Station and Abashiri Station). For limited express trains, separate fares and charges are required. Bus routes covered include all Hokkaido Kitami Bus and Kitami City Bus routes (excluding some inter-city buses) that operate in two cities and nine towns in the Okhotsk region, as well as the Memanbetsu Airport Route and Tourist Facility Tour Route of Abashiri Bus Company.
When using the system, passengers press the “Start Using” button on their smartphones and present the screen to the train crew or attendant when they get off the train. At the Kitami Station ticket gate, you can also use the system by holding it over a QR reader.
© Source travel watch