Overview
Tsukuba Express (TX) is running a trial campaign called "Credit Card Tap for a More Relaxed Commute," aimed at easing congestion. Riders who use credit card tap-to-ride during weekday early mornings receive a 20% fare discount.
Riders exiting toward Akihabara (one of five stations between Kita-Senju and Akihabara) also qualify for the discount.
Highlights
On northbound-to-southbound (up) trains, riders who enter at an eligible station between the first train and 6:30 AM on weekdays, and exit at an eligible station, receive a 20% discount off the standard fare (rounded to the nearest 10 yen).
- Eligible entry stations: 15 stations between Tsukuba and Aoi
- Eligible exit stations: 5 stations between Kita-Senju and Akihabara (discount applies regardless of exit time)
- No pre-registration required; the discount applies automatically when conditions are met
- The discount is applied at credit card billing time, not at the moment of travel
- Example: a trip from Tsukuba Station to Akihabara Station becomes 250 yen cheaper
TX has completed rollout of credit card tap-to-ride service at all stations, available at about 40% of all ticket gates.
Second Round (October 1 - January 31, 2027)
Following the first round (May 11 - July 31), a second round runs on weekdays (including holidays) from October 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.
- At six stations closer to Akihabara (Nagareyama-centralpark, Minami-Nagareyama, Misato-chuo, Yashio, Rokucho, Aoi), the entry deadline is extended by 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM
- Other eligible entry stations remain first train to 6:30 AM
- The 20% discount, eligible exit stations (five stations between Kita-Senju and Akihabara) and no-registration rule are unchanged
Event Details
- Campaign: Credit Card Tap for a More Relaxed Commute
- Operator: Metropolitan Intercity Railway Company (Tsukuba Express)
- Period: Round 1 May 11 - July 31, 2026 / Round 2 October 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027 (weekdays and holidays)
- Eligible time: Entering between first train and 6:30 AM on weekdays (7:00 AM at six stations from Nagareyama-centralpark to Aoi in Round 2)
- Discount: 20% off standard fare, applied at credit card billing
- Registration: Not required
Recommended For
- Commuters and students traveling toward Akihabara from along the Tsukuba Express line in the early morning
- Riders already using credit card tap-to-ride
- Anyone looking to avoid rush-hour crowding
