Rail travellers between Dublin and Cork will this week be the first to enjoy free Wi-Fi on trains. After a testing period, free Wi-Fi will be rolled out to all inter-city trains in Ireland.
Irish Rail said this morning that free Wi-Fi has been installed on the first train on the Dublin-Cork fleet this week, and after a testing period, will be extended to all of the CAF Intercity trains (67 carriages) on the Dublin-Cork fleet by the end of September.
The contract to equip the Dublin-Cork fleet and provide customer with broadband Wi-Fi was awarded to Irish company FleetConnect, based in Dublin.
Expansion to other routes
“In addition, we’re planning further expansion of Wi-Fi to other intercity routes, with initially a further 60 carriages of the intercity railcar fleet, which operates across the national network, targeted to be equipped by year end,” the company said.
“We are also exploring with the National Transport Authority the possibility of introducing Wi-Fi across the DART and Commuter fleet for daily commuters.”
The decision to install Wi-Fi on the Dublin-Cork fleet followed a successful trial on selected services last year, which saw an enthusiastic uptake from customers.
The company promised the system will be simple to use, with on-screen assistance for customers on board, and a dedicated helpline will be provided by FleetConnect.
“With the proliferation of internet-ready smartphones and tablet computers, today’s rail passengers will now be able to stay connected with friends, family and work colleagues, and they can be productive, informed and entertained during their journey,” Irish Rail said.
The following train services will have free wi-fi available for customers over the coming days:
Friday 15th July
11:30 Cork-Heuston
15:00 Heuston-Cork
18:30 Cork-Heuston
Saturday 16th July
07:00 Heuston-Cork
10:30 Cork-Heuston
14:00 Heuston-Cork
17:30 Cork-Heuston
21:00 Heuston-Cork
Sunday 17th July
10:30 Cork-Heuston
14:00 Heuston-Cork
17:30 Cork-Heuston
Monday 18th July
07:00 Heuston-Cork
10:30 Cork-Heuston
14:00 Heuston-Cork
17:30 Cork-Heuston
21:00 Heuston-Cork
Source:Irish Rail announcement
