Sapporo City Tram to Launch Contactless Credit and Debit Card Payment Service
Starting April 27, 2026, Sapporo City Tram will introduce 'Credit Card Boarding' using contactless technology from Sumitomo Mitsui Card's 'stera transit'. The service includes a weekend/holiday fare cap of 460 yen.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 22, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 00:02 (1h 2m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 02:08 (2h 5m after Collected)
Sapporo City Transportation Business Promotion Foundation, Sapporo City Transportation Bureau, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Co., Ltd., JCB Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Atlas Co., Ltd., Odawara Kiki Co., Ltd., and QUADRAC Co., Ltd. announced that they will launch a contactless payment service called 'Credit Card Boarding' on the Sapporo City Tram starting Monday, April 27, 2026. This service utilizes Sumitomo Mitsui Card's public transportation solution 'stera transit'. Additionally, they will introduce the 'Sapporo City Tram Credit Card Holiday Discount,' an automatic fare capping service for weekends, holidays, and the New Year period (Dec 29 – Jan 3).
With this service, passengers can board smoothly by simply tapping their contactless-enabled cards (credit, debit, or prepaid) or smartphones on the dedicated terminals installed inside the tram. This eliminates the need for pre-charging transport IC cards and allows those without IC cards to pay fares quickly without preparing cash, improving convenience and ensuring punctual operations.
The 'Sapporo City Tram Credit Card Holiday Discount' automatically limits the total daily fare to 460 yen (equivalent to two rides) on applicable days. Once the total reaches 460 yen, subsequent rides on that day are free. Unlike traditional one-day passes, this requires no advance purchase at counters or through apps, a feature highly supported by users of other transport systems where it has been introduced.
### 1. Contactless Payment Service Details
**How to use:**
Simply tap your contactless-enabled card or smartphone on the dedicated terminal when getting off. There is no need to take a numbered ticket or tap when boarding.
*Note: Transfer discounts with other transportation modes do not apply. Cannot be used in combination with cash or other tickets. For multiple passengers, child fares, or disability discounts, please inform the driver before tapping.*
**Launch Date:** Monday, April 27, 2026, starting with the first tram.
**Target Routes:** All stops and vehicles on the Sapporo City Tram.
**Accepted Brands:** Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, UnionPay.
### 2. Fare Capping Service Details
On weekends, holidays, and New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3), the total daily fare is capped at 460 yen.
**Applicable Days:** Weekends, public holidays, and Dec 29 – Jan 3 annually.
**Important Notes:**
- Fare aggregation applies only to the Sapporo City Tram.
- Rides are aggregated per physical device; using different devices (e.g., plastic card and smartphone) with the same card number will not be combined.
- Applies only to adult fares.
- If paying for multiple people with one card, only one adult fare is eligible for the cap; others will be charged normal rates.
- Not applicable on non-holiday weekdays.
With this service, passengers can board smoothly by simply tapping their contactless-enabled cards (credit, debit, or prepaid) or smartphones on the dedicated terminals installed inside the tram. This eliminates the need for pre-charging transport IC cards and allows those without IC cards to pay fares quickly without preparing cash, improving convenience and ensuring punctual operations.
The 'Sapporo City Tram Credit Card Holiday Discount' automatically limits the total daily fare to 460 yen (equivalent to two rides) on applicable days. Once the total reaches 460 yen, subsequent rides on that day are free. Unlike traditional one-day passes, this requires no advance purchase at counters or through apps, a feature highly supported by users of other transport systems where it has been introduced.
### 1. Contactless Payment Service Details
**How to use:**
Simply tap your contactless-enabled card or smartphone on the dedicated terminal when getting off. There is no need to take a numbered ticket or tap when boarding.
*Note: Transfer discounts with other transportation modes do not apply. Cannot be used in combination with cash or other tickets. For multiple passengers, child fares, or disability discounts, please inform the driver before tapping.*
**Launch Date:** Monday, April 27, 2026, starting with the first tram.
**Target Routes:** All stops and vehicles on the Sapporo City Tram.
**Accepted Brands:** Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, UnionPay.
### 2. Fare Capping Service Details
On weekends, holidays, and New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3), the total daily fare is capped at 460 yen.
**Applicable Days:** Weekends, public holidays, and Dec 29 – Jan 3 annually.
**Important Notes:**
- Fare aggregation applies only to the Sapporo City Tram.
- Rides are aggregated per physical device; using different devices (e.g., plastic card and smartphone) with the same card number will not be combined.
- Applies only to adult fares.
- If paying for multiple people with one card, only one adult fare is eligible for the cap; others will be charged normal rates.
- Not applicable on non-holiday weekdays.