Tokyo Silver Pass is becoming a PASMO. A clear guide to the changes starting October 2026 and points to note

I am Kumataro Yokoyama, a training instructor and sign language interpreter.

While utilizing AI, I provide information for seniors and introduce books and gadgets.

I don't necessarily want to get old quickly, but the Silver Pass is attractive.
There is news that it will be changing to a PASMO.

It costs 12,000 yen per year for those with an annual income of 1.35 million yen or less. It offers unlimited rides on Toei transportation and most buses.
It is attractive.
However, if you work hard in addition to your pension, you will exceed 1.35 million yen.
I am likely to exceed it just with my side job.

The 'Tokyo Silver Pass,' aimed at people aged 70 and over living in Tokyo, will be converted to an IC card starting with the renewal in October 2026.

Replacing the current magnetic card, Silver Pass information will now be registered on a 'registered PASMO.' When riding buses or subways, you will use the card by tapping it on the reader.

While daily travel will become more convenient, there are some PASMO cards that cannot be used and procedures required at the time of renewal. I have summarized the changes.

What is the Tokyo Silver Pass?

The Tokyo Silver Pass is a system for people aged 70 and over who are registered as residents in Tokyo. Excluding those who are bedridden, it can be used on Toei buses, Toei subways, the Toei Arakawa Line, the Nippori-Toneri Liner, and eligible private buses running within Tokyo.

The annual user burden varies depending on income status, and for the 2026 fiscal year, it is as follows.

• People who are exempt from resident tax or whose total income for the previous year was 1.35 million yen or less: 1,000 yen

• People other than the above: 12,000 yen

Details on eligible routes and purchase conditions can be confirmed on the Tokyo Silver Pass official website.

Magnetic cards to be discontinued from October 2026

The major change is that the current magnetic card will be switched to a PASMO.

The start date for using the new Silver Pass is October 1, 2026. Until September 30, the current magnetic card will continue to be used.

By becoming a PASMO, you will only need to tap your card on ticket gates or bus readers when boarding. Even if you travel beyond the applicable section, you will be able to automatically pay for the insufficient fare from your charged balance on Toei subways.

However, even if you receive the new PASMO in September, it can only be used as a Silver Pass starting October 1. If you use it before then, it will be treated as a regular transit fare and deducted from your charged balance, and in principle, it will not be refunded.

There are two ways to transition

There are two ways to switch to PASMO.

1. Use a registered PASMO you already own

If you have a registered PASMO in your own name, you can register your Silver Pass information onto that card.

You can use it for buses starting October 1st, but before using it for the Toei Subway or the Nippori-Toneri Liner for the first time, you must complete a procedure to write the subway information onto the card.

2. Issue a new PASMO

If you do not have a PASMO, you can have a new card issued at the time of renewal.

In this case, in addition to the Silver Pass user fee, a 1,000 yen PASMO issuance fee is required. This consists of a 500 yen deposit that is returned when the card is returned, and 500 yen in credit that can be used for transportation or electronic money.

This issuance fee is not required for subsequent renewals.

Suica and Mobile PASMO cannot be used

It is important to note that not all transportation IC cards can be used.

In principle, the only cards that can be registered with a Silver Pass are registered PASMO cards that have the user's name in kana printed on the face of the card.

The following types of cards cannot be used:

• Transportation IC cards other than PASMO, such as Suica

• Mobile PASMO

• Unregistered PASMO

• PASMO integrated with a credit card or employee ID

• PASMO for persons with disabilities

• PASMO registered in a name other than the applicant's

• PASMO containing a valid commuter pass or special ticket

• PASMO that has not been used for 10 years or more

Unregistered PASMO cards can sometimes be changed to registered PASMO cards by registering your name at ticket machines in train stations.

Be aware of buses that are not covered

Even after the switch to PASMO, the number of routes where the Silver Pass can be used will not automatically increase.

For example, the Chuo City community bus 'Edo Bus' and the Koto City community bus 'Shiokaze' are not covered. Even if a vehicle is equipped with a PASMO card reader, it does not necessarily mean the Silver Pass will be accepted.

It is a good idea to check the official website or the transit operator's information in advance to see if the routes you usually use are covered.

Check your renewal notice early

With this transition to an IC card, the hassle of inserting a card will be eliminated, and boarding and payment should become smoother. On the other hand, if you choose the wrong type of PASMO or use the wrong application method, you may not be able to renew as planned.

Renewal notices have been sent to eligible individuals by the Tokyo Bus Association. Since deadlines and procedures vary depending on the application category, those who have received an envelope should check its contents as soon as possible.

In particular, if you wish to renew the 1,000 yen pass, you must apply via electronic application or mail, which involves verifying your tax status. In the 2026 fiscal year notice, the application deadline is August 16, and the payment deadline at convenience stores is August 31.

Details of the system and the latest information can be found in the 'Silver Pass is becoming an IC card (PASMO)' official guide.

From magnetic card to PASMO. The Tokyo Silver Pass, which has been familiar for many years, is reaching a major turning point. It is a good idea for not only the user but also their family to check the procedures and points to note together.

Reference:

• Tokyo Silver Pass becomes PASMO: Renewal eligibility from October 2026 onwards (Dorattara!!)

• Tokyo Silver Pass Official Website

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