Free wi-fi on trains could be scrapped under cost-saving measures being considered the Department for Transport. The DfT, which controls the finances of most train operators in England, said it is reviewing whether the service 'delivers the best possible value for money'.
Most train services on Britain's railways offer free wi-fi. But the DfT cited a survey by passenger watchdog Transport Focus which indicated that this is a lower priority among travellers than value for money fares, reliability, punctuality and personal security.
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The review of access to wi-fi was first reported by railway historian Christian Wolmar on his Calling All Stations podcast. Mr Wolmar said: "Why this gets me kind of quite angry is that we're trying to get people to use the railways.
"We're trying to attract the commuters back onto it. What do people like doing on trains?
"They like to get their laptops out and their phones out and bash away a few emails or whatever work they have to do. If they can't get that reliably on the train, they might then consider using their car."
A DfT spokeswoman 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. Passenger surveys consistently show that on-train wi-fi 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."
The DfT said many passengers on short journeys prefer to use their phones without connecting to onboard wi-fi. It added that continuing to provide wi-fi on many trains will require replacing or upgrading equipment installed in 2015.
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