1.
shuttle operation; partial operation with turnback (trains, buses)
The practice of operating trains or buses only along part of a line and turning them back before the usual terminus, typically because a section further along is blocked by an accident, weather, or other disruption.
事故のため折返し運転となっている。
Due to the accident, the line is running on shuttle operation.
大雨で一部区間が折返し運転になった。
Due to the heavy rain, part of the line went to shuttle operation.
東京駅から品川駅までの折返し運転が続いている。
Shuttle service is continuing between Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station.
信号故障の影響で、新宿駅での折返し運転を実施しています。
Due to a signal malfunction, we are operating shuttle service turning back at Shinjuku Station.
Composed of 折返し (turning back, U-turn) + 運転 (operation). A standard railway-announcement term in Japan used when a portion of a line is blocked and trains cannot run through to the normal terminus. Trains are instead operated back and forth between an intermediate station and one endpoint.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 折返し運転を実施する: to operate shuttle service
- 折返し運転となる: to go to shuttle operation
- 折返し運転区間: section under shuttle operation
- 折返し運転中: currently operating shuttle service
RELATED TERMS:
- 運休: service suspension — no trains running at all
- 間引き運転: reduced service — fewer trains, not a turnback
- 直通運転: through operation — the normal, full-route operation; the opposite concept
- 平常運転: normal operation — the baseline
USAGE:
Heard frequently in Japanese train-line status updates ("山手線は折返し運転を実施しています"). Passengers may need to change trains or use alternative routes beyond the turnback point.