Why did you change to the app?
Q:
Why switch to an app when the previous payment method using transportation IC cards for the cafeteria pass was perfectly convenient? Problems include the need for a smartphone, the requirement for multiple registrations and logins within the app, poor signal reception at the Hongo Central Cafeteria, and the need to launch the app before payment. It is unnatural to require a smartphone for the cafeteria pass, which should have been usable with just a deposit and a certain amount of money added to the pass. Furthermore, the transition was carried out unilaterally and rapidly without any consideration of student opinions, which can only be described as a disregard for users. Secondly, there is the requirement for multiple logins within the app. Since students are already registered for the cafeteria pass, further registration and logins should be unnecessary, and it feels like an unnecessarily complicated process is being demanded. Thirdly, due to structural issues, the signal reception at the Hongo Central Cafeteria is poor, and even if the university's wireless network is used, congestion is expected during peak hours. Finally, it is possible that the checkout process will become more complicated. Using the app requires multiple steps, including unlocking the smartphone, logging in, selecting payment options, and choosing a cafeteria pass. This is expected to make the already crowded cafeteria even more congested during peak hours, despite the one-touch cafeteria pass system.
We would like an explanation as to why this negative change, which no student has requested, was implemented. Ideally, we would like to revert to the system using transportation IC cards.
A:
Thank you for your continued patronage of the Co-op. Thank you for your comment. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the transition from Gakushoku Pass to Gakushoku Money. The Gakushoku Pass system was linked to a POS register (manufactured by Toshiba TEC) that was used jointly by not only the University of Tokyo Co-op but also many other university co-ops in the Tokyo area. As part of a major system overhaul across the nationwide university co-op group, including the Tokyo area, the registers will also be changed. The Gakushoku Pass system, which was previously only used in the Tokyo area, has also been updated to a smartphone app: Gakushoku Money. We apologize for the inconvenience this system will cause our members. While the transition from Gakushoku Pass to Gakushoku Money is due to the nationwide system overhaul, all previous features (cashless use at co-op cafeterias, limited use for eating in, and viewing usage history and nutrition information on your personal page) will remain the same. In the future, we plan to implement point rewards for individual items, events, fairs, and other events. Additionally, the Co-op sells food items such as lunch boxes and drinks not only in the cafeteria but also in the store, but after the transition to the cafeteria money system, the scope of use has been expanded to include food items at the store. By promoting the spread of use between the cafeteria and the store, we hope to alleviate congestion as much as possible. Finally, we would like to individually consult and provide support to members who do not have smartphones but currently use the cafeteria pass. From a system perspective, we believe it is necessary to consider using and paying via methods other than smartphones. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the system changeover. We appreciate your continued support
