OSAKA (Kyodo) An Osaka-based issuer of integrated circuit-embedded PiTaPa rail pass cards said it will start issuing them in South Korea in October, with an eye to attracting travelers and businesspeople from the country to western Japan.

The Surutto Kansai Association said Tuesday it will tie up with major South Korean credit card company Lotte Card Co. to issue the Lotte PiTaPa Card — a credit card with rail pass functions.

According to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, it will be the first time an IC-embedded rail pass card will be used in more than one country.

With the Lotte PiTaPa card, South Korean visitors will be able to take trains and buses on many routes in the Kansai region centering on Osaka without purchasing tickets. Payment will be made through their won-denominated banking accounts in South Korea.

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