Signal failure: Free wi-fi on trains faces being scrapped to save operators money

AFTER delays and cancellations, patchy internet signal on trains is often one of the biggest gripes for passengers.

But a Government pledge to ensure availability of fast, free wi-fi is likely to hit the buffers to save money.

Most operators offer free wi-fi as standard, as part of their franchise requirements. However, the Department for Transport has decided that wi-fi is a low priority for travellers and that operators need to ‘justify the business case for it’.

Campaigners said the move would make rail less attractive at a time when the sector is trying to attract passengers after being badly hit by Covid and the rise of working from home.

Broadcaster Christian Wolmar, who revealed the change on his Calling All Stations podcast, called the cut a ‘ridiculous measure’, adding: ‘The DfT actually wants to reduce the quality of the train service by saying to passengers: Sorry, you can’t access wi-fi.

‘It’s all about saving money. But we’re trying to attract commuters back on to the railway, and people like to get on their phone or laptops. My view is that wi-fi is as essential as toilets now.’

A Department for Transport spokesman said: ‘Our railways are currently not financially sustainable, and it is unfair to continue asking taxpayers to foot the bill, which is why reform of all aspects of the railways is essential.’

The DfT said wi-fi was shown as a ‘low priority’ in a survey of 15,000 passengers, compared with value for money, reliability and security, and that passengers often use their own mobile data in preference.