In response to JR East's application for a change in fares to the government for the introduction of an "off-peak commuter pass" that is cheaper to avoid the morning rush hour, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's council announced on the 17th that it was widely disseminated from the general public. A public hearing was held to hear opinions.
JR East plans to reduce the price of the "off-peak commuter pass", which is aiming to be introduced in March next year, by about 10% from the current commuter pass, instead of not being able to use it during the hour and a half during the morning rush hour.
On the other hand, we plan to raise the price of regular commuter passes by about 1.4%.
JR East applied for changes in these fares to the government in September this year, and on the 17th, the Transport Council, an advisory body to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, held a public hearing.
In this, the JR side explained the significance of the introduction, saying that it can meet the needs of users who want to avoid "three dense" amidst the spread of new work styles such as telework and staggered work hours.
On the other hand, a lawyer who participated as a spokesperson in a public call for public opinion expressed the opinion that ``users are not sufficiently informed, and a hasty introduction could lead to confusion.''
After the hearing, JR East President Yuji Fukasawa said, ``We would like to explain to users and companies that bear commuting allowances, and try to get many people to use off-peak commuter passes.''
Maki Mitsuru, chairman of the Transportation Council, said, "This is a very big theme that will change society, such as how commuting should be. I would like to fully deliberate on it, taking into account today's opinions."