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WiFi Spreads across Southern England’s Stations and Some Trains …
(18 May 2016, BWCS Staff)Passengers on Southern Railway, Thameslink and Gatwick Express can now access WiFi at 105 stations across Southern England. However, of the three operators, the London airport train service is the only one to offer on-board WiFi access.
According to Charles Horton, CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) - “There’s no advertising and no catch – just free unlimited WiFi for whoever logs on at 105 of our stations.” He continued, “Passengers can use our On Track app to see the progress of their trains, plan journeys and even book a ticket.” The service is being provided by UK mobile operator O2 – who confirmed that there is no advertising and that though passengers will receive marketing messages they will be able to opt out.
Of the 105 stations, 22 are on Great Northern routes, also part of GTR, with the majority through-stations near London. GTR manages 236 stations. Some of the London terminus stations such as Victoria and London Bridge, are managed separately.
Gatwick Express, which is in the midst of refitting its fleet of trains, currently offers WiFi on board its services thanks to a deal with Icomera. The first of the new trains began operating on the route in March of this year. Coach supplier, Bombardier, has said it is manufacturing a total of 108 Electrostar vehicles for Govia Thameslink Railway. The 27 four-car Class 387/2s trains have been specially designed for the Gatwick Express route; key features include WiFi, two double doors per vehicle with more space around them for easier boarding, 2×2 seating with more leg room and under-seat storage, more luggage space, air conditioning and the latest automated on-board service information in several languages.
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 .
The Conference is being sponsored by Icomera (Gold), Nomad Digital (Silver), BAI Communications (Bronze), 21Net, (Cocktails), Teldat (Lunch Day 1) and RADWIN (Lunch Day 2).
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