Northern says it still uses fax machines to send messages to train crews

A Northern train at Newcastle station. The rail operator was asked to account for the high number of cancelled trains. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

The rail operator Northern has said it still uses fax machines to communicate vital messages to train crews.

The train company made the admission at an extraordinary meeting of the rail north committee, chaired by the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, on Wednesday morning at which Northern was asked to account for its poor performance, including repeated “do not travel” messages issued to passengers on Sundays.