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> private operators This also somewhat prevent having unified ticketing systems like you have in Switzerland. The ticket you can buy in the train station is a
by PetitPrince 3y ago
> private operators
This also somewhat prevent having unified ticketing systems like you have in Switzerland.
The ticket you can buy in the train station is also valid for the local buses. Or even better (from a practicality point of view), you can use an app that track your start and end point and automatically bill you accordingly (you rare have to stamp your ticket when using public transport; you just come and go and there's sometime controls by agents).
I'm sure that there's some exception in Japan, like JR West, Central and East are technically different companies but the tourist JR pass allows you to go wherever, but it's hard to beat the convenience of the Swiss transports.
- mitthrowaway2 3y agoI think that's what Pasmo/Suica is for (although they are going through a shortage of cards right now).
- PetitPrince 3y agoTrue, although you have to periodically remember to top up you account (my last trip to Japan was short in duration so it wasn't worth it to get one; my memory is probably biased)
- ghaff 3y agoMy experience, having traveled a lot, is that even those countries/municipalities with good public transit are still pretty confusing for visitors who aren't familiar with the system/haven't downloaded the right apps etc./are jet-lagged/don't speak the language. Some usability testing would really be welcome.