Tagajo City Introduces Digital Transit Pass for Seniors via 'Pocket Sign' Prefectural App
Pocket Sign Inc. has launched 'Pocket Sign Mini Passport,' a digital transit pass for seniors and persons with disabilities, in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, through the 'Pocket Sign' official prefectural app. This initiative supports Tagajo City's 'Norumon Pass' program, leveraging My Number card authentication to streamline the application process and provide digital usage tracking.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 22, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 22, 2026 at 15:17 (46 min after Collected)
## Supporting the 'Norumon Pass' Free Transit Program
Tagajo City launched the 'Norumon Pass' on April 1, 2026, as part of its public transportation policy to encourage social participation for local seniors and persons with disabilities.
Eligible individuals include Tagajo residents aged 65 and over, and those with disabilities. For disabled residents, this also includes one accompanying caregiver for mobility support.
There are two types of 'Norumon Pass': digital and card. For the digital version, users must register for the 'Pocket Sign' app, register via the in-app mini-app, and scan the displayed QR code at a dedicated terminal when disembarking. Initial registration requires a smartphone, a My Number card, and the card's PIN.
The card type requires application at the city hall office and a 500-yen fee. Note that for residents with disabilities, current guidance is to use the pass by presenting their disability certificate.
To support this update, an app for bus-mounted scanning terminals was also implemented. Drivers simply select the route at the start of the shift, with no further operation required while driving. The introduction of the digital pass allows for easier tracking of usage numbers and data, streamlining reporting tasks.
## Leveraging Prefectural App Infrastructure
This initiative utilizes a shared prefectural app—pre-registered by residents using their My Number card—as a foundation for municipalities to deploy unique services. Tagajo City was able to offer digital services requiring identity verification without launching a separate, dedicated app.
The 'Pocket Sign' app is promoted by Miyagi Prefecture and surpassed 1 million registrations in February 2026.
## Expected Benefits
For municipalities, this eases the operation of issuing transit passes that require identity verification and provides a foundation for analyzing usage trends for future transit policy planning. For residents, it eliminates the need to visit city hall and removes the 500-yen fee associated with the card version. The digital pass requires a user-led renewal every six months within the app.
## Potential for Further Expansion
This model showcases the use of public transport digital tools alongside the provision of municipal services via mini-apps within a prefectural app. Beyond transportation, it has high potential for application in welfare services, resident discounts, and the digitization of various certificates requiring identity or eligibility verification.
FAQ
What is required to use the digital type of 'Norimon Pass'?
A smartphone, My Number Card, and the PIN for the My Number Card are required. Prior registration in the official Miyagi Prefecture app 'Pocket Sign' is necessary.
Who is eligible for the 'Norimon Pass'?
Residents of Tagajo City who are 65 years old or older, or citizens who have been issued a disability certificate. For citizens with disabilities, one caregiver for mobility support is also included.
What are the benefits of a digital boarding pass?
It eliminates the need to visit the city hall, and there is no actual cost burden for card issuance (500 yen). Additionally, the administrative side can accurately track usage and streamline data collection.
What are the differences between the card type and the digital type?
The digital type allows for free application and renewal via the app. The card type requires an application at the city hall and incurs an actual cost of 500 yen.
Is this initiative expandable to other areas beyond Tagajo City?
Yes. This is a model where local government policies are provided as mini-apps on the official prefecture app. It is expected to be applicable not only to public transportation but also to welfare and various discount and certification policies.