Industry news

Wi-Fi making trains more appealing for business travellers

Business travellers from London to Edinburgh are choosing to travel by rail rather than air because of the free wireless internet access being provided by one operator along a major route.

Train operator National Express East Coast said that the number of business travellers taking its services and using Wi-Fi service had risen three-fold since internet access was made free.

Employees from companies along the route, and those travelling from London to Edinburgh, Newcastle and Yorkshire, are using trains more than ever before, according to NEEC, which explained that the numbers using on-board Wi-Fi had risen from 30,000 to 100,000 a month in January.

"Anecdotally, major employers along the East Coast route tell us that the addition of Wi-Fi is another reason for them to switch from air to rail, as it is much easier for their employees to stay in touch and keep working while on the move," said Alan Hyde, head of communications at the company.

Wi-Fi had been available in First Class for £4.95 an hour during standard rates, but is now available throughout the all carriages.