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Another UK Train Company Succumbs to WiFi ...
(24 Jan 2017, BWCS Staff)UK commuter train operator Southeastern is to equip all of its trains with WiFi by the end of this year, the company announced today. Having chosen Icomera as its technology partner, Southeastern reports that some parts of its fleet will be made WiFi-ready during the course of this year.
The Go-Ahead Group company which operates some 367 trains mainly on suburban routes between Kent and London said the move is part of a major investment which will also encompass station refurbishment and the recruitment and training of 300 new frontline staff.
Over the course of the next 18 months, WiFi services will be rolled out on the Southeastern trains that run along three main routes, including the Southeastern Main Line from London Cannon Street and London Charing Cross to Dover via Sevenoaks and the Chatham Main Line between London Victoria and Dover/Ramsgate via the Medway towns. The operator also provides services along High Speed 1 from London St. Pancras.
Rail Minister Paul Maynard told Kent Online news service, “We are investing nearly £50 million to roll out free, fast and reliable WiFi on trains and I am delighted that Southeastern passengers are set to be among those to benefit.” He continued, “We already require new franchisees to offer free WiFi as standard and are determined that 90% of all (UK) trains will have access to WiFi by the end of 2018.”
It is understood that the service will be provided free of charge with Southeastern passengers simply having to register to access the on-board WiFi.
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