On September 26, Kyushu Railway Co. (JR Kyushu) launched a new service allowing the use of QR codes for express and bullet train discount tickets reserved online, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional paper tickets.
Passengers can simply display a digital ticket on their smartphone at a station reader, helping to alleviate congestion by removing the need to collect tickets at counters or machines. The service includes five types of online-only discount tickets for limited express trains departing from and arriving at Hakata Station in Fukuoka, such as the Limited Express Sonic (excluding Kaio trains), and for bullet trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line's Nagasaki route. Digital tickets for the Kagoshima route are available through the membership reservation system.
At stations lacking automatic ticket gates or code readers, passengers can verify their digital tickets by scanning QR codes on posters. The service is available at 197 stations across Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, and Nagasaki prefectures, and digital tickets can also be used at other stations within the discount area.
For group reservations, digital ticket information can be shared via the Line messaging app or other means. However, these tickets require internet connectivity, and screenshots or printouts are not accepted. JR Kyushu plans to expand the service to limited express trains in southern Kyushu by fiscal 2025.
JR Kyushu President Yoji Furumiya noted that the introduction of the system was prompted by the increased efficiency of QR code scanning, expressing optimism for its future expansion.
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