[Cowboy89]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

So I went to go apply for a new passport (old one is to expire this november).

I have the application filled out, all ID's read, pictures everything. I went down to Harry Hays building about 25 after 8 and line was half way down the stairs.. which is... not surprising at all. The security guy asked who has an ONLINE Application form, they showed it and said they didn't need a number til pre-screening. while us, in his own words, OLD SCHOOL applicants need a number before the pre-screen. My number was in the 40s...

So I went in... they pre screened me checked my photos, looked over my ID, etc... Then it was time to wait for my number to be called. About 5 counters were open. Now, for those who have applied recently, they have A numbers and C numbers. A numbers are for the people who did the written application while C numbers are for the online applicants. Now... Both A and C numbers are called at the same time. I went into the waiting room at A012 and C was just starting at C900... by the time I decided to leave, go for breakfast and come back... It was at A021 and C928... HOLY CRAP... the amount of time C's were called was so frustrating. There was only ONE counter doing A numbers. There was a person, who was about 2 seats away from me came in about 20-30 minutes after I did, sat down for all of maybe 5, max 10 minutes, her number got called.

My Advice: If you decide to hand in ur application in person early in the morning, do it online, you will be out of there in a flash.

End of Rant.

Welcome to what's called the 'Digital divide.' This phenomenon is where a vast majority of people have constant internet access and businesses and other service providers either only serve people online or gear their processes towards online activities thus driving down the standard of living for those not online and raising the standard for those not online or web savvy. Those who either are used to doing things the old way or simply do not have constant web access to perform daily activities are being left behind.