Rail passengers using East Midlands Trains services to London are starting to benefit from access to the internet whilst they travel, with the roll out of the train operator’s brand new on board WiFi service.
The new WiFi service, which is currently being installed on all train services to/from London, will offer passengers easy access to the internet, email and other online applications, whether for work or leisure purposes. First Class passengers will benefit from complimentary access to the service, whilst other passengers will need to pay a small charge using a debit or credit card through the online secure payment page.
Jayne Moyses, Sales Manager for East Midlands Trains, said: “We’re constantly looking at how we can further improve our service and we know the launch of on board internet access will make a real difference for our passengers.
“We’ll be installing the latest technology, utilising multiple mobile connections, providing our passengers with the best possible service and speed.
“We already provide complimentary access to the internet at Chesterfield and Sheffield stations and through our First Class Lounges at Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and London St Pancras. The roll out to our train services will help passengers to work even more efficiently whilst on the move.”
George Cowcher, Chief Executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is great news for businesses in East Midlands and beyond. Not only will it enable business owners and employees to work and prepare for meetings while they travel, but it will also make it easier for them to stay in contact with their office while they are on the move.
“The big advantage for businesses of travelling by rail is that time spent on the train can be put to better use than it would be whilst driving. Having access to WiFi means that time can be used even more productively.”
The service is currently being piloted on three trains, with the roll out to all trains taking place throughout the rest of the year. From 5 September, WiFi will be available every day on all fast trains on the London/Sheffield route (those timed to depart Sheffield to London at 27 minutes past the hour and departing St Pancras to Sheffield at 55 minutes past the hour) as well as on the ‘Robin Hood’ service from Nottingham to London (departing Nottingham at 07.50).
During the pilot, all passengers will be able to access the service free of charge. From 5 September 2010, Standard Class passengers will pay £4 per journey (up to 3 hours) or £7.50 a day to access the WiFi service. The corporate WiFi facility, iPASS, will be introduced from the Autumn.
Details of how to use the new service can found in leaflets displayed on board the trains currently piloting WiFi or by asking a member of the on train team.