Tokyo taxi passengers will soon be able to start paying for their rides using electronic money, three taxi fleet operators said this week. The deals, which involve BitWallet Inc.’s Edy system and East Japan Railway Co.’s (JR East) Suica system, are the latest in a string of agreements from major retailers to accept e-money in lieu of conventional cash for purchases and services. They come as technology for the systems, which are both based on Sony Corp.’s Felica touch-and-go proximity smart card platform. 

This week’s announcements mean that from August this year all 2,552 taxis operated by Chuo Musen Taxi will begin accepting payment using Edy and from next year 2,798 taxis belonging to Nihon Kotsu Co. Ltd. and 2,242 taxis belonging to Kokusai Motorcars Co. Ltd. will accept payment by Suica e-cash. The three taxi operators are among the largest in Tokyo. Via: IT World

Related posts:

1. M-Commerce Convergence Announced
2. Vodafone & bitWallet agree on Mobile FeliCa
3. bitWallet: Sony & DoCoMo Make Mobile Money
4. JR East, NTT DoCoMo, and NTT DATA to Jointly Promote Suica e-Money Service
5. Intel Buys into Bitwallet

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we been been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!