JR East raises fares by 7.1%, first hike since privatization in 1987

East Japan Railway Co. on Saturday raised its fares by an average 7.1 percent, its first hike aimed at boosting revenue since the major rail company's privatization in 1987.JR East plans to use the revenue increase to invest more in safety measures and accessibility improvement for the elderly and disabled.The company serving eastern Japan including the Tokyo region as well as northeastern and central parts of the country raised its regular fares by an average 7.8 percent and by 12.0 percent for commuter passes, while the hike for student passes is smaller at 4.9 percent.The minimum base fa…READ FULL ARTICLE