{
  "id": 15877984,
  "title": "Java crashes the departure board at Tyne and Wear Metro",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/java-crashes-the-departure-board-at-tyne-and-wear-metro-15877984",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-21T10:43:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register",
    "slug": "the-register",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/offbeat/2026/10/21/java-crashes-the-departure-board-at-tyne-and-wear-metro/5304106"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Tyne and Wear Metro departure board has been displaying an error message from Java, alongside regular train times. Concerned reader abend0c4 noticed the display, which resembles an elderly Windows installation. The message suggests the display could be running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, both of which stopped receiving security updates in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Alternatively, it might be running POSReady 7, which continued receiving updates until October 8, 2024. Despite the end of extended support, the software remains functional. The Tyne and Wear Metro, which opened in 1980, has a history of running older technology. Although the signage of the transit network has been updated, the display with the Java error message remains. The cause of the error remains unclear, but it is possible that an outdated version of Java is to blame. Java may be entering its twilight years, but it still plays a crucial role in many enterprise systems. For now, passengers would prefer the software to keep a lower profile amidst the ups and downs of their journeys.",
  "summary": "Train times remain on show as an elderly Windows dialog demands attention",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register Science",
        "title": "Java crashes the departure board at Tyne and Wear Metro",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/java-crashes-the-departure-board-at-tyne-and-wear-metro",
        "published": "2026-10-21T10:43:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}