A boarding system with facial recognition technology was introduced on Saturday on the Yamaman Yukarigaoka Line, a residential train service in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture.
According to Yamaman, the line’s operator, it is the first time that a facial recognition-based boarding management system for ordinary passengers has been put into practice on a public transport system in the country.
After registering their facial photo details and credit card details in advance on a special website, passengers can board the train, without purchasing tickets, through cameras installed at the ticket gates at stations and recognize their faces. Passengers with a shuttle pass can also use the system.
Yamaman also introduced the system to its bus service the same day.
The company expects an increase in the number of users of the facial recognition system as commuters opt for the system when renewing their passes.
An official from Yamaman, which also manages real estate operations, said the company wants to introduce the system to the entire community.
Facial recognition systems, including for train tickets, are being tested in many parts of the country.
Osaka Metro, which provides subway services mainly in Osaka city, has introduced a facial recognition system for its employees on a trial basis.
It plans to start operating it for passengers by the end of fiscal year 2024.
