OKICA
OKICA (オキカ, Okika)("Okinawa IC Card") is a contactless transportation card used in Okinawa's public transportation system.
Overview
OKICA was the first contactless public transportation card in Okinawa Prefecture.[1][2][3]
The card is maintained and administered by Okinawa IC Co., Ltd., a public corporation created for the purpose of overseeing the card's use.[4]The OKICA sold over 130,000 units during its introductory year and a half. There is a utilization goal (on Yui Rail) of 60% by 2024.[5]The card expires 10 years after last charge or use of card.[6]
Usage
The OKICA is used by the Okinawa Monorail, also known as Yui Rail, and four major bus operators within the main island of Okinawa (Ryukyu Bus Kotsu, Okinawa Bus, Naha Bus, and Toyo Bus). It was introduced on October 20, 2014 for Yui Rail and was then simultaneously introduced for all four bus companies on April 27, 2015.
The card is not compatible with other travel cards in Japan (such as SUGOCA or PASMO) and cannot be used outside Okinawa prefecture. Currently, it cannot be used for other transport services such as taxis or ferries, but feasibility studies have been conducted.[1]
References
- ^ a b "来月20日から「オキカ」稼働 モノレールのIC乗車券" ["OKICA" wil be coming on the 20th of next month, IC monorail ticket] (in Japanese). Ryukyu Shimpo. 14 September 2014. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
- ^ "Local bus companies switching to OKICA system". Japan Update. 29 April 2015.
- ^ Kuzamichi, Yoshizaki (29 January 2014). "沖縄本島のICカード、名前は「OKICA」…2015年度導入へ" [Okinawa main island IC card, called "OKICA"...will be introduced in 2015]. Response.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 13 March 2017.
- ^ "OKICA Main Website" (in Japanese).
- ^ "沖縄モノレール1600万人超え OKICA順調、4年連続過去最多" [Okinawa Monorail has over 1.6 million riders, OKICA does well, the most passengers in 4 years]. Okinawa Times (in Japanese). 9 April 2016.
- ^ "OKICA取扱規則" [OKICA Terms of Use] (in Japanese).