Scotrail enhances WiFi on the Edinburgh to Helensburgh route

The trains which service the Edinburgh to Helensburgh route will be improved by on-board WIFI Scotrail have announced today.

The Class 334 fleet is the latest in the rail company’s project to install WiFi on board almost 90% of their trains by Autumn 2018.

There will also be 52 WiFi hotspots at train stations across Scotland.

Speaking about the announcement, ScotRail Customer Experience Director Jacqueline Taggart said: “One of the great things about travelling by train is that it allows you to work on the go. In order to do that, it is important that you can get connected while you are on the move. Over the past few months we have been installing WiFi to many trains in our fleet – and we have been enhancing and upgrading the equipment so that it is more reliable than ever before.

“Today I am delighted to say that even more of our customers will be able to take advantage of our free WiFi service – both in stations and on our trains. The Helensburgh to Edinburgh service is one of our most popular routes, so it is just great that customers will be able to get connected on their journey.

“This rollout will continue over the coming months – with the aim to have 90% of all of our trains enabled by the end of next year. This is just another example of ScotRail working to make things better, every single day.”

WiFi equipment has already been fitted to all trains serving Scotland’s main inter-city routes, and the focus is now turning to ensure that other routes can keep connected on the move. Travellers from Dalmally to Dumfries will soon be able to enjoy free connections provided by supply partner Icomera.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am committed to ensuring that rail travel across Scotland is an attractive option for tourists, commuters and business users. The roll out of WiFi across ScotRail’s train fleet will enhance the passenger experience by ensuring travellers throughout Scotland have the ability to get online while on the move, allowing them to be more productive, better entertained and better informed during their journey.”

Scottish Council for Development and Industry Chief Executive Ross Martin said: “We need to create the conditions for productivity growth to flourish, whether in the office, at the point of production, or indeed while on the move and these improvements to WiFi connectivity being rolled out across the railway network form an important part of that.

“Of course, just like we all want the fastest, most reliable trains on our part of the railway network so to do we demand high speed digital connectivity (through wireless technology) that we take for granted until it’s not there.”