[ Wash's question is still valid though. Even if the train has shown itself to be willing to send messages on, there are times when it can't be contacted. Hence the need to have a secondary method. ]

Yes. And if we can't communicate with the train because of some emergency, it's best to have a secondary form of communication that isn't tied to any one person.

[ In a way that's as much a response to Wash's look as it is to the ministry official. ]