Japan mulling unified QR codes

The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is discussing introducing unified quick response, or QR, code standards for cashless payments of fees for local train, bus and other transportation services, informed sources have said. Such standards would allow users to pay fares for public transport run by various operators, all by smartphone. Also envisioned are QR code cashless payments of taxes and medical bills at hospitals. With regional financial institutions decreasing the number of automated teller machines, the ministry aims to create an environment in which people can live without having to withdraw cash frequently, the sources said.