[dropcap type =”circle”]C[/dropcap]hiltern Railways has reached another Wi-Fi milestone and customers across the entire network now have access to free on-train Wi-Fi. The facility is available on an additional 1,400 services following the installation of Wi-Fi onto trains used by commuters.
Back in 2011 Chiltern Railways was one of the first train operators to provide free passenger Wi-Fi on long distance trains. Now, thanks to support from the Department for Transport, the ability to access the internet has been expanded to cover Chiltern’s commuter fleet including trains from Banbury, Bicester North and Bicester Village.
This upgrade is just one of the recent or planned Wi-Fi projects to be delivered. In July 2016 the company launched an integrated station and train Wi-Fi proposition, enabling customers to get online on arrival at the station and be seamlessly connected on board as they travel. During 2017 the company expects to commence a project with mobile network operator EE to eliminate black spots across the Chiltern network, even allowing customers to talk in tunnels.
Dave Penney, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer free Wi-Fi to our customers on all of our trains. We know how important it is to our passengers to be able to get things done whilst on the move. An additional 1,400 services now have the facility, providing more opportunity for customers to make their time on the train more productive.”
Victoria Prentis, Conservative Member of Parliament for North Oxfordshire said:
“It is brilliant news that Chiltern can now offer its passengers Wi-Fi access on any train journey they take. As a regular commuter myself, internet access really makes such a difference on the journey to and from work. I am particularly grateful to the Department for Transport for their assistance in making the rollout possible.”