In a shocking revelation, Northern Rail has admitted to still using fax machines for sending crucial messages to train crews, a practice that has contributed to frequent delays and cancellations across its network. The startling confession came during an extraordinary meeting of the Rail North Committee, where Northern officials were grilled about the operator’s subpar performance.
Fax Machines: A Relic of the Past
When questioned by Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, about the use of fax machines, a Northern official confirmed, “It is very much true.” The admission left Burnham incredulous, prompting him to ask, “How on earth is that the case in 2024?” The official explained that the tools used to communicate with train crews rely on the outdated technology, adding that plans to phase out fax machines are in the works.
Union Agreements Hinder Progress
Another Northern representative suggested that switching to digital communication would require agreement from trade unions, stating, “We wouldn’t be able to get rid of them tomorrow without an agreement with our trade unions.” Burnham expressed disbelief, arguing that most people would not consider replacing fax machines as an issue of “depth and complexity.”
Widespread Service Disruptions
The reliance on antiquated technology has led to significant disruptions for Northern Rail passengers. On the day of the meeting, 155 trains were canceled, affecting thousands of commuters. Burnham voiced concerns about the lack of a clear plan to address these cancellations, which threaten to impact local economies, particularly with the approaching Christmas season and popular events like the Manchester Christmas Markets and Halifax’s Piece Hall.
“One hundred and fifty-five trains have been cancelled this morning. That’s thousands of people late into work, changing their day. And that is a lot of disruption, a huge amount.”
– Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Addressing Passenger Concerns
Northern officials were also questioned about issues such as incorrectly issued penalty fares, high staff sickness rates, and a failure to implement ticket acceptance agreements on alternative lines during cancellations. The operator claimed to have paused prosecutions for certain penalty fares where ticketing is complex and confusing for customers.
Long-Term Plans Fall Short
While Northern has a long-term plan to address various issues, one official admitted that it is measured in “months and years.” He acknowledged the challenge of tackling immediate problems like cancellations while also dealing with outdated technology, timetable restructuring, and organizational changes to align with local agendas.
“All of those are on the list. All of those are being worked on … but they’re not problems that can be fixed tomorrow.”
– Northern Rail Official
A Call for Urgent Action
As frustrations mount among passengers and local leaders, the pressure is on Northern Rail to modernize its communication systems and improve service reliability. The admission of relying on fax machines has only intensified scrutiny of the operator’s ability to meet the needs of 21st-century travelers.
The Rail North Committee’s interrogation of Northern officials has exposed the depths of the challenges faced by the rail operator. As the company grapples with outdated technology, organizational restructuring, and union agreements, passengers continue to bear the brunt of service disruptions and delays.
With the holiday season approaching and the economic impact of unreliable rail services looming, Northern Rail must take swift and decisive action to address its shortcomings. The public demands a modern, efficient rail network that can meet the needs of commuters and support the growth of local communities.
The revelation of fax machine usage has become a symbol of the broader issues plaguing Northern Rail. As the operator navigates the complexities of upgrading its systems and processes, it must also regain the trust of its passengers and stakeholders.
The path forward for Northern Rail is clear: embrace digital communication, streamline operations, and prioritize passenger satisfaction. Only by shedding the relics of the past and investing in a future-proof rail network can the operator hope to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.
