The London Midland rail operator running Birmingham’s trains on Cross City line, has assured to provide free Wi-Fi service for commuters. This is among a list of improvements wanted by the Department for Transport (DofT), by October of 2017. The deal made by DofT had several demands like CCTV installation on all Cross City services, new ticket machines in a few stations, tablet devices for station staff and extra weekday and Sunday services.
All long distance services are expected to be provided free Wi-Fi. The service will be provided first on trains between Birmingham, Liverpool, London and Crewe. It would be extended later to services starting from Redditch running to Lichfield Trent Valley on the Birmingham line. The London Midland services Birmingham and London Euston, the Birmingham and Liverpool Lime Street service and the Euston and Crewe service (via Lichfield, Tamworth and Rugby) are set to get free Wi-Fi within 18 months. All services are expected to be provided with free Wi-Fi by the October of 2017.
London Midland has invested in trains and stations from 20017 to the tune of £300 million, according to Patrick Verwer, its managing director. Claire Perry, Rail Minister, said they have delivered improvements in West Midlands and surrounding areas besides investing over £60 million in trains and £750 million for a new redeveloped Birmingham New Street station. London Midlands builds on this work to ensure customers continue to benefit and get long-term economic growth in the region, the minister added.
