DESUCA
DESUCA (ですか, Desuka?) is a rechargeable contactless smart card ticketing system for public transport in Kōchi Prefecture, Japan, introduced from 25 January 2009. The card is issued by the DESUCA Company (株式会社ですか, Kabushiki gaisha Desuka?), founded by Tosa Electric Railway (Tosaden) and Kōchiken Kōtsū. The name stands for the electric train (電車, densha?) and bus (バス, basu?) accepted card (カード, kādo?).
The card claims to work positive for the environment, as it would encourage using public transport, thus reducing carbon emission. [1] A user is able to add its loyalty point by using the card, as well as by doing something "ecological", such as avoiding a disposable plastic bag at a store.
Usable area
The card is usable for the following operators' lines.
- Tosaden tram and bus lines
- Tosaden Dream Service (土佐電ドリームサービス?) bus lines
- Kōchiken Kōtsū (高知県交通?) bus lines
- Kenkō Hokubu Kōtsū (県交北部交通?) bus lines
- Kōchi Kōryō Kōtsū (高知高陵交通?) bus lines, between Susaki and Suginokawa or Yusuhara
The card also functions as an electronic money.
Types of cards
- Corresponding different ages, the card is classified into the three different "colors":
- Orange Card: For elementary school students, usable until April 1 of 12 years old.
- Green Card: For 12 years old and older.
- Purple Card: For 65 years old and older.
- Corresponding functions, the three cards are each classified into three, making the nine different cards in total:
- Unregistered card
- Registered card: Needs registration. The card can be reissued when lost.
- Commuter pass: Needs registration.
References
- ^ 土電、県交が共通カード バス、電車利用促進 (Tosa Electric Railway and Kōchiken Kōtsū will issue a common card, encouraging the use of buses and trains), The Kōchi Shimbun, 27 December 2007, retrieved on 30 December 2008. (Japanese)
External links