Ireland to Provide Free Wi-Fi on All Public Transport Services
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Irish public transport should be fitted with free WI-Fi access by the end of next year, the country's Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar has announced
Wi-Fi internet access will be introduced on Irish Rail's Dart and commuter rail services this autumn, and on 80 new Dublin Bus vehicles by Christmas. It's already available on Irish Rail Intercity services and most of Bus Éireann's fleet.
It is also currently being tested on LUAS services, and should be available across the city by the end of the year.
Wi-Fi services are also being provided in tourism offices across Ireland.
"We need to ensure that public transport remains an attractive and competitive option for passengers. Free internet access gives public transport a significant edge over the car, and is already proving popular with passengers where provided.
"At the same time, tourists rely increasingly on the internet when travelling, using their smart phones or tablets to conduct their research on the move. In order for Ireland to compete as a tourism destination, we must offer 21st century services to 21st century tourists."
Aside from the 80 new Dublin Bus vehicles, Wi-Fi is currently being tested on ten Dublin Bus vehicles. In 2013 Dublin Bus will begin developing a business case for the roll out of Wi-Fi on the rest of its fleet.
Almost all of Bus Éireann's fleet is now Wi-Fi enabled with the exception of a small number of services in rural areas that have low passenger numbers and Wi-Fi has been successfully trialled on two Luas trams and is expected to be provided on all trams in 2013.
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