Kitaca
Smart card ticketing system used in Sapporo, Japan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Smart card ticketing system used in Sapporo, Japan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kitaca (キタカ, Kitaka) is a rechargeable contactless smart card ticketing system for public transport in Sapporo, Japan. Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) introduced the system from October 25, 2008. Its name means "the card of north (北, kita)", while 北 is also the first character of Hokkaidō (北海道). Like other electronic fare collection systems in Japan, the card uses RFID technology developed by Sony corporation known as FeliCa. The card has an official mascot of Ezo momonga (Pteromys volans orii), a kind of flying squirrel found in Hokkaidō. The mascot is designed by Sora, an illustrator who lives in Sapporo.[1]
 | You can help expand this article with text translated from the corresponding article in Japanese. (August 2024) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
 Normal unregistered Kitaca (on top) and the debut commemorative Kitaca (on bottom) | |
| Location | Usable nationwide Distributed in Hokkaido |
|---|---|
| Launched | October 25, 2008 (16 years ago) |
| Operator | Hokkaido Railway Company |
| Manager | Hokkaido Railway Company |
| Currency | Japanese yen |
| Stored-value | Pay as you go |
| Auto recharge | None |
| Unlimited use | None (Other non-related unlimited use passes available) |
| Validity |
|
| Website | www |
As of March 2024, 69 stations in the Sapporo-Asahikawa area, as well as 6 stations in the Hakodate area including unmanned stations, accept Kitaca.[2]
Credit card function is also considered. North Pacific Bank, the largest local bank of Hokkaido, considers to include Kitaca's functions to its credit card Clover. A plan to introduce an Osaifu-Keitai compliant mobile payment system was cancelled due to the cost. [3]
In 2009, Kitaca became interchangeable with JR East's Suica, including its use of electronic money functionality.[4] Since late 2012, the card can also be used in lieu of a SAPICA, a smart card system introduced in 2009 by the Sapporo City Transportation Bureau.[5]
In 2013, interoperation was extended country-wide, and Kitaca became usable in all major cities across Japan as part of the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service.[6][7]
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