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| Nice Pass (Hamamatsu's Bus Pass) New Year, New Bus Card for Me! |
I don't know if my bus card was stolen or if I just unknowingly dropped it.
Last Friday on my way home, I lost my 2-year bus pass. I don't know really know what happened. I swiped it upon entering the bus. I took a nice nap on the bus then when I woke up, I can't find my bus pass. I searched my pockets, delved into my bags, hunted around my seat but my green bus pass was nowhere to be found. I kept looking and looking until the bus arrived at the station. I was the only passenger left, still madly scrambling for my pass. The driver took pity on me and helped me search around the bus. He just then told me to get off and go to the Lost and Found department of the station.
I was bent on finding my card not because it has some sentimental value but because it has about 8000 Yen worth of bus fare. I reported the case to the Lost and Found Department. I described the color of my card holder, gave my name and phone number and hoped that someone kind enough will return it tomorrow. But tomorrow and the day after tomorrow came but my bus pass wasn't returned. The man at the Lost and Found Department told me something about going to the Bus Information Office (BIO) and getting a card.
This is when I wished I understood more Japanese. I understood about going to the BIO and getting a card but I missed the most helpful part. I didn't get that if I report a missing pass and request for reissuance of pass, all the money in my previous card will be transferred to my new pass. It actually make sense since my bus pass information was on the computer. They could trace its usage and have points transferred. Guess I wasn't smart enough to think of this. Because I didn't understand everything the man told me and because I didn't use my common sense, I spent the weekend in knots hoping my bus pass appear.
When Monday came and still no bus pass, I decided to get a new card. The lady at the BIO traced that I had a previous pass and asked why I wanted to get one. I told her my sob story and that's when she explained I could just ask for a reissuance so my balance will be transferred. I was elated to know that and happily paid the 1000 Yen reissuance fee. I thought I'm just gonna lose 8000 Yen in mystery.
So, if you also lost your bus pass or train card just go to the Bus Information Office or Ticket Office where you got your original card. Report that your previous card got lost, pay the reissuance fee, wait for your balance to be transferred and enjoy your new card! No need for the hassle I put myself through.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This process can only work if your Train Card and Bus Pass have your name registered.
Need to Get a Bus Pass or Train Card? Check the following links:
