WiFi on England’s trains is under threat – and Staffordshire business leaders are voicing their concern over warnings it could be scrapped.
The Department for Transport is putting WiFi services under the microscope as part of a cost-cutting exercise.
However, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is opposing any move to do away with the service, which is currently offered free of charge by most rail operators.
The Chambers point out that for many travellers, especially business people, it is indispensable.
“The ability to use WiFi when on the move is a huge benefit of using public transport,” said Declan Riddell, Policy Adviser.
“Passengers need a reliable WiFi connection to allow them to catch up with e-mails and other work matters and browse the Internet.
“If the UK is to meet Net Zero aspirations, we need to get more people out of cars and using public transport.”
The DfT has indicated that reforms are essential to ease the taxpayer burden, with the railways currently not financially sustainable.
“Passenger surveys consistently show that on-train WiFi is low on their list of priorities, so it is only right we work with operators to review whether the current service delivers the best possible value for money,” said a spokesperson.
Opposition to any withdrawal of WiFi has come from passenger watchdog Passenger Focus, despite its recent survey showing that passengers are more concerned about value for money fares, reliability, punctuality and personal security.
Anthony Smith, chief executive, said access to WiFi was something many passengers now expect as standard.
“Given the post-pandemic need to get more passengers back on the train it would be difficult to justify removing something that makes rail more attractive to customers,” he added.
Andy Bagnall, chief executive of trade body Rail Partners, said the focus should be on “innovating to improve customer experience rather than removing features many passengers value.”
With its incessant politically motivated strikes the rail network has removed itself as a viable alternative to road transport, putting it in direct conflict with business and those who care about the environment. The rail industry has alienated itself and this is just another nail in its sad coffin.
I have personally found that when Virgin lost the West Coast Mainline franchise the service level went through the floor and has never recovered.
My business is now not only considering its options regarding travel but the ease and cost of doing business in the UK is forcing us to look at moving overseas.