OKICA explained

, short for "Okinawa IC Card", is a contactless smart card used for public transport in Okinawa.

Overview

OKICA was the first contactless public transportation card introduced in Okinawa Prefecture.[1] [2] [3] The card is maintained and administered by Okinawa IC Card Co., Ltd., a public corporation created for the purpose of overseeing the card's use.[4] 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 after a period of 10 years without use.[6]

Usage

OKICA is used by the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) and four major bus operators across 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 simultaneously introduced for all four bus companies on April 27, 2015.

While the aforementioned public transport systems support the use of Japan's ten major IC cards (such as Suica or SUGOCA) since March 10, 2020,[7] OKICA cannot be used outside Okinawa Prefecture. OKICA also cannot be currently used for other transport services such as taxis or ferries, but feasibility studies have been conducted.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 来月20日から「オキカ」稼働 モノレールのIC乗車券. Ryukyu Shimpo. 14 September 2014. 13 March 2017. Japanese. "OKICA" will be coming on the 20th of next month, IC monorail ticket.
  2. Web site: Local bus companies switching to OKICA system. Japan Update. 29 April 2015.
  3. Web site: Kuzamichi. Yoshizaki. 沖縄本島のICカード、名前は「OKICA」…2015年度導入へ. Response.jp. 13 March 2017. Japanese. 29 January 2014. Okinawa main island IC card, called "OKICA"...will be introduced in 2015.
  4. Web site: OKICA Main Website. Japanese.
  5. Web site: 沖縄モノレール1600万人超え OKICA順調、4年連続過去最多. Okinawa Times. Japanese. 9 April 2016. Okinawa Monorail has over 1.6 million riders, OKICA does well, the most passengers in 4 years.
  6. Web site: OKICA取扱規則. Japanese. OKICA Terms of Use.
  7. Web site: 令和2年3月10日より「Suica」およびSuicaと相互利用する交通系ICカードの利用が始まりました.