Continuing a tradition of exploring and learning from public transportation systems around the globe, APTA will conduct a study mission to Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan in June 2008. The ten-day trip, open to both public and private sector APTA members, will focus on fare collection with an emphasis on electronic payment systems and innovations. APTA invites interested members to join the delegation by contacting Jessica Bechir, APTA’s program manager for international programs, at 202-496-4833 or jbechir@apta.com
Participants in the study mission will meet in Hong Kong on Sunday, June 15 and conclude their program in Tokyo, Japan on Wednesday, June 25. In addition to meeting with fare systems professionals in those two cities, the group will also visit the transit system in Seoul, South Korea.
In Hong Kong the Octopus card leads the way in electronic fare payments. The cards are used by 95 percent of the population of Hong Kong aged 16 to 65, generating over 10 million daily transactions worth a total of about HK$29 billion (US$3.7 billion) a year. Originally launched in September 1997 to collect fares for the city's mass transit system, the Octopus card system has since grown into a widely used payment system for virtually all public transport in Hong Kong. It is also used for payment at convenience stores, supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, on-street parking meters, car parks, and other point-of-sale applications such as service stations and vending machines, as well as by students for roll call and administrative tasks such as library loans.
Next the tour will travel to Seoul, South Korea. Hosted by APTA member Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation (SMRT), group members will explore fare collection and the T-Money electronic payment system in Korea. The group will meet with Korean Smart Card Corporation (KSCC), the private developers of the smart card used by both train and bus riders. KSCC collaborates with SMRT and the bus contractors on fare system operation, settling fares, and issuing cards. KSCC handles about 22 million boarding and alighting data per day. Since implementation in July 2004, T-Money and the electronic payment system used in Seoul has become an industry benchmark for smart cards in large cities
Moving on to Japan on Saturday afternoon, the group will meet with Tokyo Metro, East Japan Railway officials, and the Japan Bus Association. Tokyo boasts one of the largest metropolitan areas in Asia. Over 33 million passengers travel in the city every day and nearly 80% use public transportation. Japan has been a leader in innovative fare collection for many years, developing cutting edge smart card technologies linked with innovative partnerships.
In Japan, JR East led the way with the development of the Suica card which debuted in November 2001. Soon after this other operators realized they had to make similar advancements, so they joined hands with JR East and created a card that could be use on any train or bus in the Tokyo area. Their new cards came out in March 2007. It was an instant hit, with one million cards sold in just four days. Most recently JR East and All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced a partnership that will allow smart card holders to use the Suica card for paperless air tickets as well as fares on trains, buses, subways, and monorails. The card will also function as a credit card for retail purchases and be linked to ANA mileage points.
Other topics the delegation will explore include collaboration with credit card and mobile phone companies, electronic payment system implementation and marketing, and the operational implications of new fare systems.
US fare systems professionals agree that transit systems in Asia are the global leaders in innovative techniques, technologies, and applications. This study mission is designed to maximize your exposure to the professionals who have developed these applications, and to learn about their visions for the future of fare systems. It will be a unique cultural and learning experience promoting information sharing and professional networking.
Due to the short length of the study mission, the schedule is an aggressive one with little time for personal activities by the participants. The cost of the study mission is $3,500 per person for a shared room or $4,125 for a single room, which includes local and intercity transportation in all countries and hotel accommodations with breakfast each day. APTA will assist solo travelers who are interested in sharing a room on a first come first served basis, however we cannot guarantee that there will be a match for everyone. Participants will be responsible for the cost and arranging their own travel to and from Asia (arriving in Hong Kong and departing from Japan), as well certain meals and personal incidentals. Several sponsored meals can be anticipated. Scott Yeomans of Executive Travel is available to assist with travel arrangements for mission participants upon request (syeomans@exectravel.com; (202) 828-0030).
Participants should plan to arrive at the designated hotel in Hong Kong no later than 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. A program booklet with system and city profiles, as well as the mission itinerary, will be provided prior to departure.
To reserve a space in the delegation, a good faith deposit of $500 is due to APTA by April1, with the balance due April 25. Space is available on a first-come first-served basis; the delegation is limited to 15 participants. Reservation forms are available on the APTA website at http://www.apta.com/services/intnatl/ or through Jessica Bechir, Program Manager- International Programs, at (202) 496-4833 or jbechir@apta.com.
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