31–40 of 302 posts
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm currently on a japan train - using a suica card is essentially instantaneous. if the cards are declined for any reason the gates swing shut immediately, if that's what you're asking.
I don’t see how that’s any different to the underground
I could use my European smartphone (well, smartwatch) as an IC card in Japan. I don't think it was slower.
If you're alluding to an Apple watch, it has Felica support wherever you buy it. PS: For anyone in doubt https://atadistance.net/2017/09/12/iphone-x-keynote-global-f...
I love IC cards. They had them on all transport where I live, but a few years ago they changed to QR codes.. Now it's a fiddle with an app, then try to get the right angle on a smudgy reader. Getting onboard takes much longer and it feels like technology sent us 2 steps back instead of forward. IC cards are better, and if they could be integrated in the phone then it would be even better and faster for everyone.
Would printing out the QR code and putting it into your wallet work or is it a changing one?
Unfortunately transit operators are looking to discontinue the use of these IC cards in favour of QR codes as part of a cost saving strategy: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20241015/p2a/00m/0bu/01...
That article doesn't say they are. >It will continue to accept national IC cards such as Suica and Icoca
Some are cutting back to just Suica and Icoca. Some are switching to, or using from the start, tap-and-pay (Visa, EMV, etc.).
Long-time Japan resident here. The IC cards do work quickly and smoothly, but the retail payment system overall is a mess because different stores accept different combinations of dozens of electronic payment brands. When shopping, I prefer to use the Suica app in my iPhone as it’s just a quick touch, but some stores won’t accept it so I have to use the Nanaco app—which requires a face recognition step—or pay in cash…
This is a fun thing to keep in mind when people tell you Japan is a "homogenous society".
(It's not high-trust either.)
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'm currently on a japan train - using a suica card is essentially instantaneous. if the cards are declined for any reason the gates swing shut immediately, if that's what you're asking.
I don’t see how that’s any different to the underground
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don’t see how that’s any different to the underground
It's the complete opposite. Tokyo stations have open gates that swing shut on fail. London stations have closed gates that swing open on success.
Also^2, Japanese train stations have ads for B2B services, whereas almost every ad in London stations is for a musical. I'm not sure what this means.
(Also fondly remember the surprisingly numerous signs at Kings Cross about how you shouldn't assault any train employees, and how teenagers weren't allowed to buy matcha drinks because they have too much caffeine.)
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don’t see how that’s any different to the underground
It's the complete opposite. Tokyo stations have open gates that swing shut on fail. London stations have closed gates that swing open on success.
And faster throughput would just increase that.