【Mt. Fuji】Selling multilingual tickets via a web-based application
Selling buses and sightseeing tickets for the large number of foreign tourists travelling to Mt. Fuji.
Fujikyu Bus Co.,Ltd
Interviewee
Mr.Hinata
Ms.Watanabe
Fujikyu Bus Co.,Ltd operates buses between Kawaguchiko Station and Fuji Station and the Fuji Fifth Station, as well as buses that tour around the Fuji Five Lakes. Mt. Fuji, which attracts many tourists not only from all over Japan but also from overseas during the summer climbing season. We asked them about how they decided to digitalize bus tickets, why they chose our mobile ticket system, and what they thought after introducing the system.
Issues they wanted to solve
Due to the increase in the number of tourists, the service could not run on time due to congestion at the ticket counters and the time taken to get on and off the bus to pay fares, etc.
Key points for choosing our system
The ability to buy tickets immediately by scanning a QR code, without the need to download an app.
Effects after introduction
The system was easy to use and easy to guide as it could be used by simply scanning the QR code. The easy-to-understand ticket screen made it easy to check tickets.
Aimed at relieving congestion and reducing the time taken to get on and off buses
- What made you decide to introduce mobile ticketing?
As the Corona disaster began to settle in and the number of passengers increased rapidly, and personnel could not be arranged immediately, we wondered if the delays caused by congestion at stations and the time it takes to get on and off buses could be eliminated by digitizing. We thought that if it was possible to purchase the product as soon as the QR code was scanned, it would relieve some of the congestion at the counter.
Bus fares are mostly paid using cash and touch payment with public transport smart cards and credit cards. However, paying by cash takes longer. Even in the case of public transport smart cards, if they are undercharged, it takes time there. We thought it would save a lot of time if people just had to show their mobile ticket.
Easy-to-use tickets for international visitors
- What made you choose our mobile ticketing service?
As it is a web application, we thought it was good that there was no need to download an app. For foreign passengers and tourists, having to download an app is a hurdle, so we thought it was good that they could scan the QR code and make a purchase straight away.
In terms of payment, foreign passengers would be concerned about putting in their credit card details in a foreign country, but it was good to be able to link this to the payment method originally registered with Google Pay or Apple Pay.
The advantage is that there is no need to enter credit card details from scratch, so it is less time-consuming. The system is also available in multiple languages, so we thought it would be safe for foreign passengers to use.
- What are your impressions after the actual operation?
The fact that it is a web-based application was very good. When giving information to passengers, all we had to do was tell them that they could make a purchase by scanning the QR code, so we think it was easy to use in that respect too.
We also felt that the ticket was very versatile, as we could create a new ticket for each event, or use an image of the event as the background image for the ticket, which is a little thoughtful.
- What was the reaction of passengers and crew members?
Passengers who had purchased mobile tickets were happy that they were able to use them without any problems. The ticket screen was easy to use for the crew checking the tickets, as the animation spins around and makes it easy to see the number of people and the time.
- In the future, we are developing our company so that we can create mobile tickets with more flexibility than we have now, are there any initiatives you would like to try in your company?
We would also like to digitize tickets, such as those that include a tour bus, ropeway and boat, which are popular with international visitors.
- It is possible to create new tickets using the tourist facilities in the Mt. Fuji area.
It is a great idea and we would like to do it!
- Thank you very much. We will continue to strive to meet your expectations.