COMMENT: Is the Government against connecting?

The reliable Transport Correspondent of The Times Ben Clackworthy, has highlighted a move being pushed by the Department for Transport (DfT) for wi-fi to be withdrawn on trains.
Almost all operators provide the service without charge at present.

Presumably civil servants, parliamentarians and business people can use a chargeable facility and claim it back under expenses.

According to the newspaper the move is being pushed by the DfT in an attempt to cut costs as it looks to “reform all aspects” of railways.

Railfuture, the campaign group, said “we should be encouraging passengers to get back on the trains, and this is a good example of a move that is going to make rail less attractive.”  Christian Wolmar, the author and railway historian, called it “a ridiculous measure.”

The DfT said: “Our railways are currently not financially sustainable, and it is unfair to continue asking passengers to foot the bill, which is why reform of all aspects of the railways is essential.”

TNU says it is not up to the Rail Minister to dictate how the train operators run their business.

Wherever you go when out and about the norm now is free wi-fi.

How about second thoughts Minister?

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READERS' COMMENT

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Barry Graham, United States

If it's anything like Amtrak Wi-Fi, it's no better than using your phone's hotspot and therefore puts probably not worth fussing about.