With the world zooming ahead into digital communique, you’d be amused to know that Northern Rail is still happily anchored in the era of fax machines! In a candid exchange that left Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham scratching his head, a Northern Rail official conceded that yes, they are still using faxes to communicate with their train crews. Imagine that in 2024!
Why, you ask? ‘Depth and complexity,’ says the official. It appears that Northern Rail isn’t ready to dispatch their beloved fax machines into the annals of history just yet. Despite having a plan ‘to get rid of them,’ they cling to this quaint technology like a dear old friend. This approach has understandably caused a bit of a stir, and not just in Manchester! Mr. Burnham’s disbelief echoed the sentiments of many, questioning how in this age of instant communication, a major train operator is wrestling with faxes.
Faxes in 2024 might sound like a plot twist in a retro sci-fi flick, but it reflects the tangle of bureaucracy and legacy systems some institutions find themselves in. I mean, why tap on a screen when you can enjoy the symphony of a fax machine’s whirrs and beeps, right?
Here’s the kicker: Northern Rail argues that faxes are reliable for their needs. The conversation isn’t just about older tech but also the need for modernization amidst stringent bureaucratic agreements.
Ending on a light note, one can only marvel at the charm of antiquated technology. Maybe one day fax machines will become hip vintage collectibles? Until then, Northern Rail’s saga with faxes will remind us of the persistence of old technology in our rocket-speed, digital world.
