Daily Life Lessons · Transportation
Learn how to check service information when trains are delayed or stopped, and how to use alternative transport, refunds, and delay certificates, so you can act on your own when you need to.
Trains are sometimes delayed (遅延) or stopped (service suspended or cancelled: 運転見合わせ・運休) because of accidents, weather, and other causes. First, check the service information through station announcements and notices, or on the railway company's official website or app.
When service is suspended, "alternative transport" (振替輸送) may be offered, which lets you reach your destination by another route, such as another railway company's line. It applies to commuter passes and tickets that show a section; it does not apply if you are riding with the stored balance on an IC card. If you cancel your trip, your fare and charges may be refunded.
A "delay certificate" (遅延証明書) for your school or workplace may be available at the station or on the official website. Before typhoons and similar events, a "planned suspension" (計画運休) may be announced in advance. Handling differs by railway company, so check with station staff.
電車が 遅れたり、止まったり することが あります。
- 駅の 放送や 案内、鉄道会社の ホームページや アプリを 見ます。 - ほかの 電車で 行ける こと（振替輸送・ふりかえゆそう）が あります。定期券や 切符の 人が 使えます。ICカードの チャージで 乗った 人は 使えません。 - 行くのを やめたら、お金が もどる ことが あります。 - 学校や 会社には「遅延証明書（ちえんしょうめいしょ）」を 出せます。駅や ホームページで もらえる ことが あります。
台風の ときは、前の日などに「電車を 止めます」と 知らせる ことが あります（計画運休・けいかくうんきゅう）。
わからないときは、駅員に 聞きましょう。
What is "alternative transport" (振替輸送)?
When service is suspended, it lets you reach your destination by another route, such as another railway company's line.
Which of these is NOT covered by alternative transport?
If you are riding with the stored balance on an IC card, alternative transport does not apply, and you pay a separate fare.
What document tells your school or workplace that your train was late?
A delay certificate may be available at the station or on the railway company's official website.
When the trains stop, what should you check first?
Check accurate service information through station announcements and notices, or the railway company's official website or app.
What is it called when a railway company announces in advance that it will stop service before a typhoon or similar event?
Announcing a suspension in advance to prepare for a large typhoon or similar event, and then actually stopping service, is called a "planned suspension."
Q. If a limited express train is very late, will I get money back?
A. At JR East and some other companies, if a limited express or express train arrives 2 hours or more late, the full limited express or express charge is refunded. Handling differs by railway company, so check at the station.
Q. Where can I get a delay certificate?
A. Besides stations, many railway companies issue delay certificates on their official websites. The conditions for issuing them differ by railway company.
Q. My train has been stopped for a long time.
A. Follow the announcements and the crew's instructions, and do not get down onto the tracks yourself. If you feel unwell, tell the crew using the emergency call device in the car or other means.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-09-28
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original