East Japan Railways raised fares by an average of 7.1 percent on March 14. After the last train, the old fare charts were removed at stations and replaced with the new, higher-priced charts.

The increase comes amid rising labor and facility costs.

It is the first fare hike since the company was privatized in 1987, apart from the increase it made due to consumption tax hikes.

Within the Yamanote Line, standard fares have increased by up to 70 yen, and the price of commuter passes have risen by an average of 22.9 percent.

East Japan Railway Company, Tokyo Metropolitan Area Headquarters / Although fares have gone up, we will continue to work hard so that passengers will say the service has improved.

Seibu Railway and the Tsukuba Express have also raised their fares starting on the 14th.