A national committee is held to consider the ideal railway fare system, and if local governments along the railway line agree, the fare can be raised without the approval of the national government, or the fare can be changed depending on the time of day. We have decided to proceed with specific studies toward the introduction of.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) was held on the 26th at a committee of experts who considered the ideal railway fare system, and presented an interim report summarizing the discussions so far, which was generally approved.
Among them, it is said that if local governments along the railway line agree on a fare increase that currently requires national approval, the introduction of a mechanism that can raise the fare without approval should be considered.
Regarding this, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism can expect flexible operation according to the actual situation of the region, such as making the increase in the number of trains a condition for price increase, while the business environment surrounding local railways is becoming more severe due to the influence of population decline and the new corona. It is said.
In addition, the interim report also included consideration of introducing a mechanism to change fares depending on the time of day and day of the week.
These fares are called "dynamic pricing," and JR East is aiming to introduce a new commuter pass that will be cheaper during the daytime to reduce congestion in the morning, and JR Kyushu is also aiming to introduce a limited express fare for the Shinkansen. I want to introduce it in.
Based on this interim report, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will proceed with concrete studies toward the introduction of a new fare system.