30.09.19
Network Rail to provide station WiFi for millions of passengers
Netwok Rail have announced a ‘significant digital investment’ today to provide fast, free and reliable WiFi to Britain’s biggest and busiest railways.
In a bid to keep passengers at the heart of all rail improvements, Network Rail will offer seamless connectivity and single sign-in internet at all Network Rail stations.
The automatic connection system will be spread to all 20 stations in the network from Spring 2020, starting with London Victoria.
The scheme has already been piloted in Euston and London Bridge station. It can be used on more than one device and is child friendly.
Passengers have made it clear that a quality WiFi system is one of the key improvements they would like to see rolled out in order to have the best possible station experience.
Other improvements at the top of their list included more seating and free toilets.
Improvements to these areas are already underway, with free toilets in Britain’s 20 busiest stations and more seating being installed.
It seems that the 900 million passengers passing through the station each year are a vital part of the decision-making process.
Network Rail have partnered with Telent Technology to implement the WiFi transformation and work is already underway.
The project will be future-proof using digital infrastructure to provide longer term benefits and commercial opportunities.
Network Rail chief executive, Andrew Haines, said:
“We all have smart phones and tablets now which means that journeys are no longer dead time, so the station experience shouldn’t be either. Our passengers expect seamless connectivity from their train to our stations, to their place of work, and to their homes, so I am pleased that millions of passengers who use our stations will soon have access to free, fast and secure WiFi.
“This investment also supports the Government’s approach to delivering a fully connected rail and transport sector and will help accelerate the development of the digital cities needed in the future.”
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said:
“We are putting passengers at the heart of the railways, delivering the improvements to punctuality, comfort and customer service they expect. Making WiFi fast and free, benefitting millions of people in stations across the country, is part of creating a more modern, better-connected railway which works for passengers.”