WORLD> Asia-Pacific
Glitch freezes N.Japan 'bullet' trains
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-29 11:45

TOKYO -- High speed 'bullet' trains ground to a halt across northern Japan on Monday due to a computer problem, stranding thousands of people heading home for New Year's family reunions.

A glitch in East Japan Railway's computer system stopped bullet train lines linking Tokyo with northern areas of the country for three hours, starting with the first train of the day, company spokesman Hideji Uchida said.

Crowds of passengers, including many families with small children, bundled up in woollen hats and thick coats to wait for the trains to restart.

"It's a real pain to have a problem like this at this time of year," a woman told broadcaster NHK as she waited at one station. "I want them to deal with this properly."

New Year's is one of the most important holidays in Japan, with many people traveling long distances to meet up with relatives, exchange gifts and pay visits to shrines and temples.

"I'm tired and frustrated," a middle-aged woman told NHK as she waited in a packed Tokyo station.

The error was resolved just before 9:00 a.m. (0000 GMT), but services were set to be disrupted for some time, the JR East spokesman said.