Osaka Metro to Abolish Magnetic Tickets and Shift to QR Code Tickets

Sep 09, 2026 | News On Japan

OSAKA - Osaka Metro plans to abolish magnetic tickets and replace them with QR code-based tickets around fiscal 2031, as declining use and the cost of maintaining conventional ticket gates accelerate the shift toward digital fare systems.

The operator has seen usage of magnetic tickets steadily decline as transportation IC cards have become widespread.

Magnetic tickets also pose maintenance challenges because they can become stuck in ticket gates, while the equipment needed to process them requires significant maintenance work and expense.

In response, Osaka Metro has decided on a policy of ending the use of magnetic tickets around fiscal 2031 and introducing tickets printed with QR codes, according to people familiar with the matter.

The company is considering issuing passengers paper tickets carrying printed QR codes that can be scanned at QR-compatible ticket gates already installed at all Osaka Metro stations.

Other railway operators in the Kansai region, including JR West and Keihan Electric Railway, are also considering moves away from magnetic tickets as the industry seeks to reduce reliance on conventional magnetic fare technology.

Source: YOMIURI

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