Transportation Allowance for a Part-Time Job

Most Japanese companies provide workers with a commuting allowance, as the lifetime employment system is central in Japan. However, more companies recently cut it back for part-time workers. If you are thinking of a part-time job, it is helpful to learn about the transportation allowance that Japanese companies provide.

Please read on to find out the types and rules of the transportation allowance for part-time workers.

Calculation Methods of Transportation Allowance

Policies of transportation allowance differ between companies and shops. Here, we will introduce three calculation methods for the commuting allowance.

Tickets

Employers calculate the monthly commuting allowance payment by the daily amount of transportation multiplied by the number of days worked. When you worked three days a week in a month, 3 days x 4 weeks = 12 days. Given that your return bus ticket per day is 600 yen, 12 days x 600 yen = 7200 yen (a monthly transportation fee).

IC cards

Many workers recently use an IC card such as Suica and Pasmo because it is more convenient and cheaper than buying a ticket each time. In line with the popularity of the new technology, a growing number of employers prefer the card. You will get an IC card from your employer before starting work. The calculation will be completed at the end of the month.

The cheapest route is popular

Regardless of using tickets or an IC card, employers calculate the cost of the cheapest route. For example, in Tokyo, people have multiple options to go to destinations because of so many railways and buses run by various companies. Depending on which line or route you use, the total fare is different. Employers tend to ask their employees to take the cheapest one.

Jobs to get a full amount of Transportation Allowance

Some particular employers pay a full amount of transportation allowance. We picked up three types of job for you.

Convenience store clerks

Convenience stores are everywhere in Japan so that you can get the job quickly. Their duties include to greet and provide assistance to customers, operate the cash register, do paperwork, stock shelves and clean stores. If you are good at multi-tasking and working under pressure, why not try?

Cleaners and Bed makers

Cleaners and bed makers are in high demand as there are many buildings and facilities in Japan.

Cleaners' responsibilities include cleaning rooms, refilling supplies like toilet paper, ordering new cleaning supplies, getting rid of litter, and removing stains.

Bed makers' duties include making beds, replenishing linen, cleaning rooms and corridors, sweeping and mopping floors, dusting furniture, and restocking beverages in a mini-bar.

In big cities, hotels and department stores are near a tube station, so communing is easier.

Kitchen staff and Waiters

Japan has many excellent restaurants and fantastic cafes.

Kitchen staff help keep the kitchen operation smooth by performing all of necessary tasks. For example, washing, peeling and cutting ingredients, sanitising food preparation areas, cleaning kitchen floors, washing and storing kitchen appliances, and helping unloading delivered food.

Waiters work at the outside of a kitchen. Their duties include greeting customers on arrival, preparing dining tables, taking orders, delivering food to customers, issuing bills and collecting payment. You can show off your soft skills, such as communication and attentiveness!

Types of Transportation Allowance

Many part-time workers can receive commuting costs. However, you must remember that the rules and policies of the payment are different for each employer. It means that your new employer may not pay the full amount of the cost.

Find out three significant types of allowance payment.

Full payment

You can receive a full amount of the transportation fees you spent.

Fixed amount payment

Regardless of the costs that you spend on commuting, your employer pays a limited amount. 500 yen maximum per day, for example. In this case, you may need to pay the exceeded amount out of your pocket.

Payment limited by rules

If your employer has rules for employees' allowance, the payment is restricted.

For example,

・Commuting allowance is paid when the distance from your house and the workplace is more than 3 km.

・If you work more than 4 days a week, a commuting pass is supplied.

・Bus fare is not paid with a distance less than 2 km.

・1,000 yen maximum per day or 30,000 yen maximum per month.

・Taxi fare is not supplied.

If You have a Commuting Pass for School

Many students enjoy part-time jobs in Japan. The majority of the students in big cities have a commuting pass for school. If your workplace is located on the same railway line of the school, you may wonder if you are eligible to receive a commuting allowance from your employers.

Technically, as the pass is issued for going to school, you can get a commuting allowance from your employer. However, many employers don't pay it for some reason. It would be better to ask them before starting work.

Last Remarks

Many people focus on an hourly rate rather than a transportation allowance. If you cannot receive the traveling costs, you will get nothing even if you work hard for a long time. Bear in mind, ask your employer about the conditions for the transportation allowance.