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Inflation

Tokyo subway plans first fare hike in 28 years as ridership falls

Operators face difficult choices as population decline catches up to major cities

Tokyo Metro's ridership has declined due to the pandemic and a subsequent population decline.    © Reuters

TOKYO -- Tokyo Metro will raise subway fares for the first time in 28 years as urban train operators nationwide grapple with ridership declines caused by the pandemic and a subsequent population exodus from Japan's biggest cities.

A ride with Tokyo Metro will start at 180 yen ($1.34) from the spring, up from the current 170 yen. This marks the first increase in nearly three decades, excluding consumption tax hikes.

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