What action should a conductor take if the train is running late due to unforeseen circumstances?

When a train is running late due to unforeseen circumstances, the appropriate action for a conductor is to advise dispatch and inform passengers. This ensures that everyone involved is kept in the loop regarding the train's status. Informing dispatch allows for adjustments in scheduling and communication with other operational personnel, which can help manage follow-on trains or any necessary remediation for passengers at subsequent stops. Additionally, informing passengers enhances transparency, allowing them to understand the situation and their travel options.

Increasing train speed to make up time can compromise safety and is not advisable as it may lead to unsafe operating conditions. Canceling all subsequent stops would severely impact passengers who are relying on those stops for their travel, which goes against service commitments. Doing nothing and continuing as usual would leave both the passengers and the operational command uninformed, which could lead to further complications and dissatisfaction. Thus, the recommended course of action is to communicate effectively, ensuring safety and service integrity.