News
South West Adds Passenger Internet as UK Set to Drive On-Train WiFi Forward
(11 Mar 2016, BWCS Staff)UK train operator South West Trains says that is now able to offer passenger WiFi on 127 of its Class 450 trains. The latest implementation, by long-time tech partner Nomad Digital, follows the work that the supplier undertook in 2014 to put WiFi onto South West’s 45 Class 444 ‘Desiro’ trains. According to the operator, free WiFi is now available on more than half of all its services. This equates to around 5,545 train services per week.
Nomad says that its networked train solution also allows train operators the opportunity to add future applications such as CCTV services for passenger safety, journey-time information and updates, and Driver Advisory Systems. These alert the driver to live issues on the track. In addition, Nomad says, its energy metering systems allow trains to run more efficiently, reducing operational costs.
Train WiFi in the UK is set to benefit from a double whammy in the future. Not only is the Department for Transport weighing plans to improve connectivity along the national rail network but increased competition should also push more operators to install on-train WiFi and improve passenger services in a bid to fend off rivals.
A report by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK revealed this week that an increase in on-rail competition should lead to benefits for passengers and taxpayers. The project, which began in January 2015 examined the scope for greater rail competition for passengers and highlighted a range of benefits that can arise from allowing other operators to run competing services against existing franchise operators. As well as cheaper fares, greater competition is likely to bring improved passenger services – especially on-Train WiFi as TOCs compete to woo passengers onto their trains.
The expanding market for on-board WiFi services as well as the problems of intermittent mobile coverage, proposed trackside solutions and other issues facing the UK and the rest of the World will all be covered in this year’s WiFi on Trains Conference hosted by BWCS. For more information please see www.Traincomms2016.com or contact Ross.Parsons@BWCS.com .
Back