Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
Osaka Metro facial-recognition gates attract few riders
Osaka Metro says just 24,000 people bought facial-recognition tickets in about 18 months, on a network carrying an average of 2.5 million passengers a day.
The company installed the gates at 130 of its 134 stations in March last year, ahead of the World Exposition in Osaka.
Advance registration and limited ticket options deter riders, while many passengers already find transit cards convenient.
Some people are also uneasy about registering a facial image, and the registration app is available only in Japanese.
The system mainly supports passes for set periods, not regular commuter passes.
Osaka Metro plans to install gates at every station by the end of fiscal 2027.
The company says it is considering commuter-pass support and wants to work with other companies to expand the system.
Osaka Metro sold tickets for its facial-recognition gates to just 24,000 people in about 18 months, despite carrying an average of 2.5 million passengers a day.
The operator installed the gates at 130 of its 134 stations in March 2025.
Advance registration, limited ticket options and the convenience of existing transit cards have discouraged riders from switching.
Osaka Metro plans to install the gates at its remaining stations by the end of fiscal 2027.
- Who
- Osaka Metro and riders using its subway network.
- What
- The facial-recognition ticket gates have attracted few buyers, and the operator plans to expand them across the network.
- When
- The gates were installed at 130 stations in March 2025; the company’s plan targets the end of fiscal 2027.
- Where
- Osaka Metro’s subway network in Osaka, Japan.
- Why
- Registration requirements, limited ticket options and the convenience of existing transit cards have given passengers little incentive to switch.
Osaka Metro
Riders hesitant to use facial-recognition gates
Purpose
Osaka Metro
The operator wants to expand the system and attract overseas visitors.
Riders hesitant to use facial-recognition gates
Some riders see little reason to use it when existing transit cards are convenient.
Use and access
Osaka Metro
The operator is pressing ahead with installation and is considering adding commuter passes.
Riders hesitant to use facial-recognition gates
Riders cited unease about registering a face image, while the registration app is available only in Japanese.
Osaka Metro installed facial-recognition gates at 130 of its 134 stations.
A Kyodo reporter counted five people using the gates at Umeda Station during an hour of observation.
Osaka Metro announced a plan to install the gates across its network by the end of fiscal 2027.
Kyodo published its report on the gates’ low uptake.
- Tickets sold
- 24,000 in about 18 months
- Network ridership
- An average of 2.5 million passengers a day
- Stations with gates
- 130 of 134
- Registration app
- Available only in Japanese
- Expansion target
- Across the network by the end of fiscal 2027
What people are saying
I'm uneasy about registering a photo of my face, and I don't see any reason to use it
My ICOCA card is convenient enough
We want to build momentum and work with other companies