March 9, 2017
Bureau of Transportation
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Toei Subway's next-generation, 8-language ticketing machine
To better welcome international passengers, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Transportation has introduced a next-generation ticketing machine that supports eight languages at Toei Subway stations.
Featuring a large 32-inch high-definition display and a revamped user interface, in addition to Japanese, English, and Chinese (simplified), the new machine can provide guidance in Chinese (traditional), French, Korean, Spanish, and Thai as well. These will become available at 31 Toei Subway stations that have particularly large numbers of international passengers.
This is part of the joint efforts by the TMG Bureau of Transportation and Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. to make Tokyo's subway systems more friendly to international visitors by modifying and developing ticketing machines, as the current machines can be too complicated.
Launch date
The first new ticketing machine was installed at Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line on February 21, 2017.
Installation at other stations is now underway. For the list of the 31 stations where new machines are or will be installed, please see the appendix.
Features
- Employs a large 32-inch high-definition display (Conventional machines have a 15-inch display.)
- The revamped user interface provides enhanced design and operability. (Passengers can buy tickets by following the directions displayed on the screen, with no need to refer to a fare table.)
- Capable of eight languages (Conventional machines support only Japanese and English.)
How to operate (example)
1. Buy a ticket
Passengers can choose from the following four methods to purchase their ticket.
- Search by station name:
Predictive text helps passengers input a station name. - Search by route map:
The route map covers all stations of Toei Subway lines and Tokyo Metro lines. - Search by station number:
Each station has a station number. - Search by popular attraction:
Passengers choose from Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, and other spots popular among foreign tourists.
*These are not exactly the same as the actual display
2. Find the train route to a destination
By using the "Search by route map" or "Search by popular attraction" method, passengers can find the train route to their destination.
Available languages
Eight languages: Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean, French, Spanish, and Thai
*Five languages (Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified and traditional), and Korean) are initially available, and the remaining three will be added by the end of March.
Available tickets
- Regular ticket for Toei Subway
- Combined ticket for Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro
- One-day pass
- Toei One-Day Pass (Toei Marugoto Kippu)
- Common One-Day Ticket for Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro
- Tokyo Combination Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu)
- Recharge IC card (smartcard)
Inquiries
Toei Transportation Customer Service Center
Phone: 03-3816-5700
Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (throughout the year)
English and Japanese assistance available