Tokyo Metro to Introduce QR Paper Tickets, End Magnetic Ones

Tokyo Metro announced on October 30 that it will begin introducing paper tickets with QR codes in stages during fiscal 2028. The operator plans to end sales of its current magnetic tickets around the end of fiscal 2029.

The QR tickets will be sold at ticket vending machines and similar outlets, and passengers will hold them over a QR reader on the automatic fare gates. According to the company, the aim is to avoid major changes to how tickets are bought and used today.

Which tickets are affected

The QR format will cover standard single-ride tickets and multi-ride coupon tickets, including the discounted versions for people with disabilities and for students commuting to school. Sales are scheduled to start gradually within fiscal 2028.

Commuter passes will remain available on transport IC cards. Special promotional tickets will continue to work on IC cards or as digital QR tickets.

Why the change

Tokyo Metro says it is promoting next-generation fare systems, centered on IC cards and including deferred-payment rides using contactless credit card taps. Magnetic tickets, however, cause jams at fare gates and carry a certain environmental burden when recycled, the company said.

The move follows a wider shift in the industry. Seven railway operators in eastern Japan, including JR East, Keisei and Keikyu, have already decided to abolish magnetic tickets and launch QR ticket services from spring 2027. The machinery needed to keep magnetic tickets running, from vending machines to fare gates, is considered difficult to maintain over the medium to long term.

Tokyo Metro said it will announce details later, including how to use the QR tickets and the specific schedule for ending magnetic ticket sales.