noun
stranded commuter; person unable to get home due to transit disruption
Coined after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake; refers to people stranded in urban areas when public transportation stops after a major disaster. Often used in news and disaster-preparedness contexts.
See also: 帰宅困難者
大地震の後、都心で多くの帰宅難民が発生した。
After the major earthquake, many stranded commuters were left in the city center.
Companies stockpile water and food for employees as a measure against commuters being stranded.