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PASMO Card (reverse)

Key Information

Pasmo-compatible ticket gates at Otorii Station (Keikyu Line)
KANACHU bus touch sensor for Suica and Pasmo IC cards next to the driver's seat and fare box

Pasmo (Japanese: パスモ, romanizedPasumo), stylized as PASMO, is a rechargeable contactless smart card electronic money system. It is primarily used for public transport in Tokyo, Japan, where it was introduced on 18 March 2007. Pasmo can also be used as a payment card for vending machines and stores. In 2013, Pasmo became usable in all major cities across Japan as part of the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service.[3]

Pasmo is a development of the Passnet system used by many non-JR railway lines in the Greater Tokyo Area. The system offers interoperability with the JR East Suica system, as well as integrating private bus companies into the former Passnet network.

The technology is based on an RFID technology developed by Sony known as FeliCa. As of April 2009, there are over 11 million cards in circulation.[4]

Companies and organizations accepting Pasmo

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Railways

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Most railway operators introduced the system simultaneously when Pasmo started.

Buses and tramways

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Bus and tramway operators have been introducing Pasmo readers on their systems gradually.

Popularity

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On April 11, 2007, it was announced that sales of Pasmo fare cards would be limited to commuter rail pass purchases until August due to extremely high demand. It was originally predicted that approximately 2 million Pasmo cards would be sold in the first month, but actual sales numbers totaled approximately about 3 million. Due to depleting stock, regular Pasmo card sales were suspended and only commuter passes were sold. Sales resumed on September 10, 2007.[5]

Mobile devices

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A version for mobile phones known as Mobile Pasmo (モバイルPASMO, Mobairu Pasumo), which uses Mobile FeliCa and Osaifu-Keitai functionality, was launched in March 2020.[6]

Interoperation

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Interoperation map

Through collaboration with JR East, passengers became able to use Pasmo interchangeably with Suica to ride nearly any railway, metro, or bus in the Tokyo metropolitan area in 2007. Transit systems/lines outside the Pasmo system but usable with the Pasmo card included JR East lines in the Kanto, Niigata and Sendai area, the Tokyo Monorail, Saitama New Urban Transit (New Shuttle), Sendai Airport Transit, Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (Rinkai Line), and JR Bus Kanto (local buses in the Mito area).

In 2013, interoperation was extended country-wide, and Pasmo became usable across Japan as part of the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service.[7]

In July 22, 2014, Nintendo added support for Suica and Pasmo in the Nintendo eShop through the NFC function of the Wii U GamePad[8] and the New Nintendo 3DS.[9] The service was discontinued in January 18, 2022.[10]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
PASMO is a rechargeable contactless (IC) primarily used for fare payments on trains, subways, and buses in the metropolitan area of , as well as for electronic money transactions at participating stores. It operates on a prepaid basis, allowing users to tap the card on readers at ticket gates or fare boxes without needing physical tickets or exact change. Issued by PASMO Co., Ltd., a established on February 9, 2004, with 100 million yen in capital and headquartered in , , PASMO is managed on behalf of the PASMO Committee, which includes 27 railway operators and 31 bus operators as shareholders. The card system was launched on March 18, 2007, to provide a unified IC card solution for non-JR ( Railways) private rail and bus lines in the region, complementing similar systems like . PASMO cards come in several types, including blank (anonymous), personalized (with user photo and details for reissuance eligibility), child versions for those under 12, and commuter pass variants, with initial purchase prices starting at 500 yen for the deposit plus preload amount. Recharging can be done at station ticket machines, convenience stores, or via mobile apps, with a maximum balance of 20,000 yen. A key feature of PASMO is its interoperability with other major Japanese IC cards, such as , , and eight others, enabling seamless use across major rail and bus networks nationwide under the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service agreement established in 2013. This mutual usability extends to at over 200,000 affiliated locations nationwide, including vending machines, restaurants, and retailers, where the card functions as electronic money branded as "Mobile PASMO" when added to smartphones via or Android wallets. Since 2023, digital versions have gained popularity for tourists, eliminating the need for physical cards, though non-personalized physical cards were temporarily unavailable from August 2023 to late 2024 due to semiconductor shortages before resuming sales in March 2025. PASMO's adoption has significantly streamlined urban mobility in one of the world's busiest .

Overview and History

Introduction and Launch

PASMO is a rechargeable designed for fare payments on trains, buses, and trams in the , utilizing Sony's RFID technology for secure, tap-based transactions. It serves as an electronic ticketing system that allows users to load funds and deduct fares automatically upon entry and exit at transit gates, streamlining travel across multiple operators. Launched on March 18, 2007, by PASMO Co., Ltd., a company established in 2004 as a among 11 operators (excluding JR East) and 18 bus companies, which at launch covered 23 operators and associated bus companies in the metropolitan area, the card aimed to modernize fare collection for non-JR networks. This initiative replaced the older Passnet magnetic stripe system, which had limitations in speed and , by introducing a unified IC card platform that facilitates seamless transfers between participating lines without needing physical tickets. From its inception, PASMO was engineered for interoperability with JR East's card, enabling passengers to use either system across most public transportation in the for a connected travel experience. The launch targeted an initial adoption of 2 million cards within the first month, but sales surpassed expectations, reaching approximately 3 million units sold shortly after rollout.

Development Background

PASMO Co., Ltd. was established on February 9, 2004, through joint investment by 11 operators and 18 bus companies in the metropolitan area, aiming to create a unified contactless IC card system for non-JR East lines in response to the growing dominance of JR East's card, which had launched in November 2001 and quickly captured a significant share of the transit market. This formation addressed the fragmentation among private operators, who previously relied on disparate ticketing methods, by centralizing issuance and management under the newly created PASMO Committee, which has since grown to comprise 27 railway and 31 bus entities. The project evolved from the earlier Passnet system, a magnetic prepaid card introduced on October 14, 2000, by and other private railways to facilitate common fare payments across non-JR networks and reduce reliance on individual paper tickets. While Passnet improved convenience over traditional tickets, its magnetic strip technology proved vulnerable to fraud, wear, and slow processing times in high-traffic stations, prompting the shift to a more advanced contactless solution to enhance efficiency, security, and in Japan's dense urban transit environment. At the core of PASMO's technical foundation is Sony's contactless RFID technology, licensed specifically for its rapid read/write speeds—up to 424 kbps—and strong capabilities, which are essential for handling millions of daily transactions in congested rail systems without bottlenecks. This choice enabled seamless integration with existing infrastructure while surpassing the limitations of magnetic cards. From inception, a primary strategic objective was to ensure interoperability with , allowing mutual usage across operators from the system's launch on , 2007, as formalized in a December 2006 agreement between JR East and PASMO Co., Ltd. This collaboration promoted a cohesive amid Tokyo's fragmented rail landscape, where private lines handle a substantial portion of commuter traffic, ultimately standardizing electronic ticketing for broader regional connectivity.

Card Types and Issuance

Standard and Variant Cards

The Standard PASMO is a non-personalized IC card designed for general adult use in the metropolitan area, featuring a plain design without user-specific information. It allows users to load stored value up to a maximum of ¥20,000, enabling seamless payments for transportation and other services. The card remains valid for 10 years from the date of the last use, replacement, or recharge, after which it expires if not reactivated. In contrast, the Named PASMO is a personalized variant that includes the user's registered details such as name, date of birth, , and telephone number, facilitating reissuance in case of loss or through a recovery process. This type is available primarily to Japanese residents or regular commuters in the region, ensuring the card can only be used by the registered individual for and . Unlike the standard version, it cannot be transferred to another person and supports stored value up to a maximum of ¥20,000. PASMO offers specialized variants for younger users to provide age-appropriate fare discounts. The PASMO, intended for children aged 6 to 11, automatically applies half the adult fare and requires proof of age, such as a or official identification, at issuance; it becomes invalid as a child card on of the year the holder turns 12 but can be converted to an adult PASMO with additional procedures. PASMO cards can also carry student commuter passes for pupils up to high school age, offering discounted fares upon presentation of school identification or a certificate, tailored to educational commuters in the area. Both child cards and those with student commuter passes maintain the 10-year validity from last use and stored value up to the maximum of standard cards. PASMO commuter passes, available as personalized or child variants, allow unlimited travel on specified routes for 1, 3, or 6 months and can include additional stored value for use outside the pass route. These are issued to regular commuters, including students with appropriate certification. Special edition PASMO cards feature limited-run designs, often in collaboration with popular characters or themes, such as the series including , to appeal to collectors and tourists. Prior to , short-term tourist versions like the were available without a deposit but limited to 28 days of validity; however, due to global chip shortages, sales of this variant were discontinued in August 2024. These editions share the core functionality of standard cards but are non-replaceable if lost, except for named versions. All PASMO cards adhere to standard physical specifications, measuring approximately size (85.6 mm × 54 mm) with an embedded non-contact IC chip compliant with the technology standard for secure data storage and transactions. The cards are durable plastic but irreplaceable if lost or damaged unless registered as Named PASMO, in which case the stored value can be transferred to a new card upon verification. Recharging is possible at station ticket machines or counters across the network.

Purchasing and Recharging

Pasmo cards can be purchased at ticket vending machines and station counters operated by participating railway companies in the , as well as at select convenience stores affiliated with transportation providers. The initial purchase price ranges from ¥1,500 to ¥10,000, which includes a ¥500 refundable deposit that covers the card's issuance and cannot be used for fares or payments. Credit cards are not accepted for initial purchases, which must be made with cash. No identification is required to buy a standard, unnamed Pasmo card, making it accessible for tourists and short-term visitors. In contrast, named or child variants require registration of personal details such as name, date of birth, , and contact information, often necessitating verification at the point of sale. Recharging a Pasmo card can be done using at station ticket machines, IC card readers at convenience stores and participating shops, or on buses in ¥1,000 increments. Some station machines also accept credit cards for topping up. The maximum balance allowable on a card is ¥20,000. To refund a Pasmo card, users must return it at an issuing station counter, where the full remaining balance is reimbursed minus a ¥220 handling , and the ¥500 deposit is returned provided the card has not expired. Cards remain valid for 10 years from the date of the last use, recharge, or , after which they expire if inactive. Following a global chip shortage that restricted physical Pasmo card sales starting in 2023, normal issuance resumed on March 1, 2025, with initial priority given to residents for personalized cards before extending to tourists for standard unnamed versions.

Usage

Public Transportation

Pasmo is widely used for fare payment across various public transportation modes in the Tokyo metropolitan area and the broader Kanto region. It enables seamless access to entry and exit gates at stations without the need for paper tickets, with fares deducted automatically from the card's stored value based on travel distance. The card is accepted by 27 railway operators, including , , and , as well as subway systems like . For railways and subways, users tap the Pasmo card on a reader at the entry gate (tap-in) to pass through, and again at the destination station's exit gate (tap-out), where the system calculates and deducts the distance-based fare. This process applies to all participating lines in the Tokyo area, allowing transfers between operators without additional actions at transfer points. If the card balance is insufficient upon tap-out, the gate will not open, triggering an alert; users can then proceed to a nearby fare adjustment machine to top up the card or pay the difference in cash before completing the exit. Buses and tramways in Tokyo primarily accept Pasmo for most operators, such as and Keio Bus, with fare deduction mechanics varying by route type. On flat-fare buses, which are common in central , passengers tap the card once upon exiting to deduct the fixed amount, while distance-based routes require tapping upon boarding (tap-in) and exiting (tap-out) for automatic calculation. Tramways, like those operated by , follow a similar tap-in/tap-out process for distance-based fares, though some services may require exact change as an alternative for non-IC users. Pasmo also supports other transportation modes, including monorails such as the , where users apply the standard tap-in/tap-out method at gates for fares to and from . Additionally, certain parking facilities at railway stations, such as those affiliated with participating operators, allow Pasmo for payment at exit barriers, deducting fees based on parking duration. The card's coverage centers on the Kanto region, encompassing and surrounding prefectures like Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba, where it facilitates travel on interconnected networks. Commuter passes can be integrated into Pasmo cards, providing monthly unlimited rides on specified routes; any travel outside the pass coverage deducts fares from the stored value via the same tap-in/tap-out mechanics. For registered Pasmo cards linked to a , an Auto Charge service automatically adds funds when the balance falls below a set threshold during fare deduction attempts, preventing disruptions. Pasmo's with other IC cards, such as , enables cross-operator travel without fare adjustments at boundaries.

Retail and Other Services

Pasmo serves as a versatile e-money option for retail purchases beyond transportation, enabling contactless payments at a wide array of merchants across . It is widely accepted at major convenience store chains, including , , and Lawson, where users can tap the card on a reader to buy everyday items such as snacks, beverages, and household goods. This functionality extends to supermarkets, restaurants, and other shops equipped with compatible readers, allowing seamless transactions without cash or coins. In addition to stores, Pasmo is compatible with select vending machines operated by companies like , facilitating quick purchases of drinks, snacks, and prepared foods. Users simply hold the card near the machine's sensor, and the cost is deducted from the balance instantly. For services, Pasmo can be used to pay for coin lockers at train stations and public facilities, providing a convenient alternative to inserting coins for temporary storage. No (PIN) is required for these small-value transactions, enhancing ease of use. The transaction process is straightforward: upon tapping the card, the system verifies and deducts the exact amount, with a beep or light confirming success. However, acceptance is limited to partnered locations displaying the Pasmo or national IC card logo, and it is not suitable for all cashless needs, such as certain online payments or non-affiliated vendors. The maximum balance on a Pasmo card is capped at ¥20,000 to comply with e-money regulations, requiring users to recharge as needed for larger expenditures.

Adoption and Popularity

Circulation Statistics

Pasmo demonstrated strong initial growth after its launch on March 18, 2007, with over 6.74 million cards sold by January 18, 2008. By 2009, the combined issuance of Pasmo and cards reached 40 million. Circulation continued to expand, reaching 30 million Pasmo cards by March 2015. By 2021, total IC cards issued across , including Pasmo, exceeded 200 million. A global led to the suspension of sales for non-personalized Pasmo cards targeted at starting in mid-2023, limiting availability to commuter passes only. Full sales resumed on March 1, 2025, enabling broader access once again. In , Pasmo holds a substantial market share among IC cards for , complementing Suica's dominant position, with between systems contributing to overall growth. As of 2023, issuance exceeded 95 million cards, reflecting the strong ongoing popularity of interoperable IC systems like Pasmo, though exact total issuance figures for Pasmo are not publicly detailed in recent reports.

User Experience and Benefits

Pasmo offers significant convenience for daily commuters in the metropolitan area by allowing users to bypass ticket purchasing queues and simply tap the card at for entry and exit on trains, subways, and buses. This contactless system streamlines travel, particularly during peak hours, enabling quicker passage through barriers compared to handling paper tickets or coins. Seamless transfers between participating lines are facilitated without needing to calculate or adjust fares manually at each stop, saving time on multi-leg journeys. One key benefit is the recoverability of lost personalized Pasmo cards, where users can obtain a at a station office, retaining the full balance minus a service fee, provided the card is registered to their name. Child Pasmo cards provide automatic fare discounts of approximately 50% for users aged 6 to 11, making family travel more affordable while applying the reduced rate directly upon tapping. Additionally, the card's promotion of cashless payments across transportation and retail reduces reliance on paper tickets, contributing to lower waste and supporting eco-friendly practices in urban transit. The widespread adoption of IC cards, including Pasmo, among commuters—accounting for over 95% of short-distance trips as of 2024—reflects their reliability and integration with the region's dense rail network. However, challenges include the card's balance expiring after 10 years of inactivity, requiring users to top up or use it periodically to maintain validity. In crowded stations, occasional reader errors can occur if cards are tapped too closely together or during system glitches, potentially causing brief delays. Despite these minor issues, the overall emphasizes ease and efficiency, with the card's design minimizing physical handling and enhancing daily mobility.

Digital and Mobile Pasmo

Mobile Implementation

Mobile Pasmo was launched on March 18, 2020, as a digital extension of the physical IC card system, leveraging the Mobile platform to enable contactless payments on compatible smartphones. This service initially rolled out for Android devices supporting functionality, with iOS integration via following in October 2020. The implementation allows users to emulate the physical Pasmo card entirely through their phone's NFC capabilities, facilitating seamless integration into daily transactions without the need for a separate physical token. The core functionality of Mobile Pasmo serves as a complete replacement for the traditional card, supporting fare payments at transit gates, purchases at retail outlets displaying the Pasmo logo, and real-time balance inquiries via the device screen. Users can load up to a maximum balance of ¥20,000, mirroring the limits of the physical version to ensure compatibility across the network. All operations, including tapping at readers for entry/exit on trains, buses, and subways, or scanning for e-money payments at stores, rely on the phone's secure NFC chip to mimic the standard used in physical cards. To set up Mobile Pasmo, users download the dedicated Pasmo app from the Store for Android or add it directly through the app for iOS devices. Registration involves providing a phone number or for verification, followed by free initial issuance of a virtual card and activation of the digital balance. For iOS users, the process integrates with for immediate top-ups using supported credit, debit, or prepaid cards, while Android users can opt for or the app for similar setup; note that for iOS, the device region must be set to . Once activated, the virtual card appears in the device's wallet interface, ready for immediate use. For managing commuter passes in the app, if a current commuter pass has expired and a 1-month renewal is desired, users should follow the renewal steps but select "新規購入 (New Purchase)" instead of continuation, then choose 1 month on the period selection screen. Key advantages of Mobile Pasmo include the elimination of physical loss risks, as the card exists solely in digital form and can be suspended or transferred if the device is lost. It also supports automatic recharges linked to a or , triggering when the balance falls below a user-set threshold to maintain uninterrupted service. As of 2025, the Mobile Pasmo app offers support and allows issuance for using international credit cards where supported, broadening availability to international visitors through simplified registration. Despite these benefits, Mobile Pasmo has certain limitations inherent to smartphone dependency. It requires a device equipped with NFC hardware to function, excluding older or non-compatible models from use. Additionally, the service relies on sufficient battery power during transactions, as a depleted battery could prevent NFC activation at gates or payment terminals, potentially stranding users mid-journey. Top-ups and certain features like auto-recharge also necessitate an connection, though offline use for payments remains possible once set up.

Compatible Devices and Apps

Mobile Pasmo requires devices equipped with NFC and chip support to enable contactless transactions for transportation and payments. For Android smartphones, compatibility is limited to models featuring functionality, such as Japanese-market variants of the series and select devices from carriers like and docomo released since around 2010. These devices must run Android 6.0 or later, and the official Mobile PASMO app, available on , handles issuance, management, and usage. iOS integration occurs through , allowing users to add Mobile Pasmo to the app on or later models (including those with or ) running or higher; the device region must be set to for setup. Series 3 or later, paired with a compatible and running 7 or later, also supports Mobile Pasmo for on-device payments. No dedicated iOS app is required beyond the native interface. Setup prerequisites include a Japanese SIM card or active international for initial verification, along with registration to a Pasmo account; rooted or jailbroken devices are incompatible to maintain security standards. Recharging options encompass in-app top-ups via linked or debit cards (up to 20,000 yen maximum balance) or QR code scanning at ticket machines in stations and stores, with registered accounts enabling seamless balance synchronization across multiple compatible devices. As of 2025, Mobile Pasmo supports overseas issuance directly through the app for compatible devices, with English interfaces to assist international visitors.

Interoperability and Integration

With Other IC Cards

Pasmo, issued by Tokyo's private railway operators, has been interoperable with since its launch on March 18, 2007, allowing mutual acceptance for fares on transportation networks in the . This initial agreement enabled passengers to use either card interchangeably across JR East lines and participating private operators without needing separate tickets. In 2013, the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service expanded this compatibility to include ten major regional IC card systems—PASMO, Suica, ICOCA, TOICA, manaca, Kitaca, SUGOCA, nimoca, Hayakaken, and PiTaPa—facilitating seamless cross-regional travel. Under this service, launched on March 23, 2013, Pasmo users can tap their card on any participating network, with fares calculated and deducted automatically from the card's balance regardless of the issuing operator. The system reads the card's data universally but processes deductions through the original issuer's backend, ensuring no additional fees for interoperability. This integration allows a single Pasmo card to cover fares on trains and buses across most urban areas in , eliminating the need for balance transfers or card exchanges between systems. By enabling such widespread , it streamlines for commuters and visitors navigating multiple regional networks.

Nationwide and International Use

Pasmo's nationwide expanded significantly with the launch of the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service on March 23, 2013, which established full with the other nine major regional IC cards in the system. This integration allows Pasmo holders to use their card for seamless across without switching cards at regional boundaries. The service covers JR lines, private railways, subways, and buses in more than 40 of Japan's 47 prefectures, spanning from in the north to in the south. Automatic fare adjustment is applied when journeys cross IC card area borders, calculating the total fare based on the entry and exit points to ensure accurate charging regardless of the operator. For example, a traveler can board a train in with Pasmo, transfer to ICOCA-compatible lines in , and continue to SUGOCA areas in Fukuoka, with fares deducted automatically from the card balance. Internationally, Pasmo's acceptance remains limited as of 2025, with no support for public transportation outside . The physical card functions exclusively within 's participating networks, and e-money features are not recognized by overseas transit systems. Mobile Pasmo implementations, such as those via , enable contactless payments at select international merchants that accept global standards, but usage is restricted to e-money transactions and requires the device region to be set to for activation, along with an internet connection for setup. Refunds for remaining balances or deposits are unavailable outside , necessitating return to a participating station within the country for processing.

References

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