Ah, the internet – where would we be without it? You can get free wi-fi pretty much everywhere these days and on those long train journeys when conversation with your travel buddy has run dry, it’s a godsend. Whether you want to spend it catching up on work, listening to a podcast or stalking your friend’s boyfriend’s brother, having the internet can make the time fly by.
But you may have to start bringing along a good old-fashioned book instead (or, y’know, rely on shaky phone data). That’s because the Department for Transport (DfT) has told rail companies to stop providing wi-fi access to passengers in a bid to save some dosh – unless they can come up with a convincing business case.
Right now, free wi-fi is provided as standard across all rail services, but a DfT report apparently found that it was low on travellers’ priorities, especially on shorter journeys. However, the higher-ranking priorities included features that are basically essential, including value-for-money, reliability and personal security.
A DfT spokesperson 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.’
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