TOKYO -- East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) is set to introduce discounted off-peak commuter passes for the greater Tokyo area in March 2023.

Off-peak commuter pass holders will be able to use trains in the metropolitan area at cheaper prices outside weekday morning rush hours. The passes will cost about 10% less than current regular passes. They will be valid on 16 train line sections, including the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines. The valid area covers a total of 279 stations centered in the capital and include Chiba Station in Chiba Prefecture, Omiya Station in Saitama Prefecture, Kurihama Station in Kanagawa Prefecture, and Toride Station in Ibaraki Prefecture.

The railway operator on Sept. 16 applied to the transportation ministry for approval of commuter pass fare changes.

Meanwhile, regular commuter pass prices will be raised by about 1.4% with the introduction of the off-peak passes.