Sydney rail travellers get free WiFi - for three months

Stuart Corner
Monday, 06 September 2010 15:59

Your IT - Mobility

RailCorp - operator of the NSW rail network is offering train travellers at Circular Quay station in Sydney free Internet access via WiFi for a three month trial period.

The free WiFi will be available on platforms one and two at Circular Quay station for three months from 6 September to the end of November 2010. Users will be limited to 20 minutes per device per session (separate morning and afternoon sessions) and will have a download limit of 50MB per session.

NSW minister for transport, John Robertson, said: "During the trial RailCorp will be seeking feedback to assess the take-up rates and overall response from customers. We are hopeful that if this trial proves successful, we may be possible to extend free WiFi services to other stations on the network."

The trial at Circular Quay Station follows the introduction of free WiFi on the Manly Ferry in June this year. Robertson said response to this had been overwhelming.

"More than 40,000 commuters have logged on since the new service commenced in June and we are looking forward to see how this might translate to one of our major city train stations."

When iTWire enquired about the planned trial in June a RailCorp spokesman told us "Following the trial, a number of factors will be assessed before WiFi could be rolled out across the network, these include: customer feedback; consideration of a final ISP provider and tender process; rollout to other key stations.

"Introducing WiFi across the entire CityRail network will take time to implement as we trial, refine and rollout a suitable and sustainable public transport WiFi system for our customers."

He added: "There are no current plans to put WiFi on trains and no decision has been made on cost for service.

RailCorp was not immediately able to provide information on what ISPs or other suppliers it is using to support the trial.