Travel

JR to introduce peak express fares for bullet trains

Oct 28 (NHK) - The Japan Railways group says four of its group companies will introduce peak fares for Shinkansen trains and limited express services during the busiest travel seasons.

JR Tokai, JR West, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu will raise the fare for express reserved seats by 400 yen for peak season travel in the fiscal year that begins next April.

JR East and JR Hokkaido have already introduced this type of fare system.

The peak season includes the spring holiday period known as Golden Week, the Bon summer holidays, as well as the yearend and New Year holidays. The group says the price hike is aimed at easing congestion.

The Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines and some limited express trains will apply the new rates.

The group companies currently charge 200 yen more during the high season and 200 yen less during the low season. The group plans to extend the low season by 25 days per year to encourage people to travel outside the peak periods. ...continue reading

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