JR East, West look to adopt peak-pricing system as pandemic dents Japan railway demand

[gmat]

From The Mainichi;

JR East, West look to adopt peak-pricing system as pandemic dents Japan railway demand

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201202/p2a/00m/0bu/018000c

 

I suspect that in the long run, the off hours will be the base line ticket fee and the peak hours will like an added surcharge, but it won't be marketed that way. 

 

Grant

[katoftw]

I am surprised the havent done this sooner considering their very full trains in peak.

[bikkuri bahn]

I would much rather they keep the peak fare as the current fare, and discount the off-peak fare- all this within the season pass system.  They can also reduce the subsidy (or keep it the same) to employers for reimbursement of employee peak hour season passes, and provide an additional subsidy for off-peak- perhaps even additional tax benefits.  I think you have to prod the employers- no matter how much employees want to (or don't want to) time shift their schedules, the incentive has to come from company policy.  Another good idea would be to provide passes that cant be used past 7pm- required for supervisory personnel, so that kacho goes home earlier...😀