1.
transfer; change of trains or buses
The act of switching from one train, bus, or transportation line to another during a journey.
次の駅で乗り換えです。
The transfer is at the next station.
東京駅で新幹線に乗り換えた。
I transferred to the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
乗り換えなしで空港まで行ける路線がある。
There's a line that goes directly to the airport with no transfers.
2.
switching; changeover
Changing from one product, service, or system to another.
携帯の乗り換えを考えている。
I'm thinking about switching mobile carriers.
ガス会社の乗り換えで料金が安くなった。
Switching gas companies made my bill cheaper.
電力自由化で、乗り換え先の選択肢が増えた。
With electricity deregulation, the options for switching providers have increased.
USAGE:
乗り換え is the noun form of the verb 乗り換える. Sense 1 (transportation transfer) is the most common meaning. Sense 2 (switching services) has become common in marketing contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 乗り換え駅 (transfer station)
- 乗り換え案内 (transfer information/guide)
- 乗り換えなし (no transfer, direct)
- 乗り換えキャンペーン (switching campaign — for services)