Seven transportation operators in Kumamoto Prefecture will launch the “Contactless Payment: Half-Price Fare Campaign,” part of the Kumamoto Support Project, on October 29 (the campaign will end once the budget limit is reached). During the campaign period, passengers who use contactless payment methods—such as credit cards—on eligible buses, streetcars, and trains will receive a 50% discount on their fare.
This applies to all bus routes (with some exceptions) operated by Kyushu Sanko Bus, Sanko Bus, Kumamoto Electric Railway, Kumamoto Bus, and Kumamoto City Bus—where contactless payment terminals are installed—as well as the Kumamoto City Tram (Kumamoto City Transportation Bureau) and the Minami-Aso Railway.
As an example of discounted fares, the route from Kumamoto Station in the city center to Torimachi-suji (operated by bus companies and the Kumamoto City Tram) is normally 200 yen one way but will be 100 yen during the event period. and for inter-prefectural routes, the fare from Sakuramachi Bus Terminal to Tenjin Bus Terminal (Hinokuni Line) is normally 2,500 yen one way but will be 1,250 yen during the campaign period, among others.
Eligible brands include Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and UnionPay. No prior registration is required; simply hold your eligible card or smartphone up to the fare terminal when boarding or exiting, and the half-price fare will be automatically applied.
© Source travel watch