Tobu Railway to Extend Use of Hitachi’s Biometric Tech

Tobu Railway, in partnership with Hitachi, has announced plans to expand its biometric identification service, which uses finger vein recognition technology, by the end of fiscal 2026.

The service was first introduced in April at self-checkout machines at Tobu Store, the company’s supermarket branch, allowing customers to make payments and receive loyalty points without the need for a credit card. The new system significantly reduces transaction times at registers, cutting the process down to about 25 seconds—half the usual time.

Tobu Railway aims to implement this biometric system in more than 100 outlets, including supermarkets, electronics stores, hotels, and convenience stores. The firm also plans to integrate facial recognition technology for train ticket verification by fiscal 2025.

“We want to increase the number of places where the service is available to improve customer convenience,” said Tobu Railway executive Ryuhei Maeda.

Tobu Railway is a major private railway company in the country, primarily serving the Kanto region, including Tokyo and surrounding areas. It operates an extensive rail network, connecting suburban and rural areas with central Tokyo.

In addition to its transportation services, Tobu Railway has a diverse range of business operations, including retail, real estate, and tourism, with holdings in department stores, hotels, and amusement parks. The company plays a significant role in Japan’s infrastructure, offering both commuter and tourist services.

Sources: The Japan Times, Nippon.com

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September 4, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith