Dynamic Pricing Introduced on Four Express Bus Routes in Hokkaido from July 1

Express bus operators in Hokkaido, Japan, will introduce dynamic pricing on four express bus routes for travel from July 1.

The対象 routes are the following four: the “Starlight Kushiro” operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Akan Bus, and Kushiro Bus; the “Potato Liner” operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Hokuto Kotsu, JR Hokkaido Bus, Tokachi Bus, and Hokkaido Takushoku Bus; the “Dreamint Okhotsk” operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus, Abashiri Bus, and Hokkaido Kitami Bus; and the “Kosoku Hakodate” highway bus operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Hakodate Bus.

Fares will fluctuate according to congestion forecasts and reservation status. This is the first time that dynamic pricing has been introduced on express buses within Hokkaido. The lower-limit fare will be cheaper than the current fare, while the upper-limit fare will be higher than the current fare.

The cancellation fee structure will also be revised. Currently, early-bird discount fares incur a 20% cancellation fee, and regular fares incur a fee starting from 100 yen. Under the new system, the fee will be 100 yen up to 8 days before boarding, 30% of the fare up to 2 days before boarding, 40% of the fare up to the day before boarding, and 50% of the fare on the day of boarding.

The purchase deadline will also change. At present, tickets can be purchased up to one hour before the departure time (with some differences depending on the reservation method). Under the new rules, payment will be required within three days from the day after the reservation date and no later than four days before the boarding date, while reservations made from three days before the boarding date through the day of boarding will require immediate payment.