On March 18, the operators of the “Suica” and “PASMO” transportation system IC cards (with some exceptions) will begin offering the cards for the physically challenged. The service will be available to adults with Type 1 physical disabilities and Type 1 intellectual disabilities and their caregivers, but not to adults with Type 2 physical disabilities, Type 2 intellectual disabilities, and children with disabilities.
Suica cards are sold at the Midori-no-madoguchi counter in each area, and PASMO cards are sold at the counter designated by each operator, and two cards, one for the individual and one for the caregiver, are issued. The validity period is one year, and must be renewed after the expiration of the validity period. A physical disability certificate or a rehabilitation certificate is required to purchase or renew the card, and the discounted fare for the disabled is automatically deducted by touching the ticket gate when boarding the train.
In principle, the card for the passenger and the card for the caregiver can only be used for the same journey, but some operators allow the cards to be used independently (JR East allows use only on routes with a one-way operating kilometer of 101 km or more). Some functions, such as special tickets and point services, are limited for both the individual and the caregiver. In particular, the card cannot be used with other IC cards in the icsca and ICOCA areas, except between Suica and PASMO, so it cannot be used in Hokkaido or west of Tokai (it also cannot be used without a discount).
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