National Express gets wifi

National Express gets wifi 11/02/2010

National Express East Anglia (NXEA) is to introduce Wi-Fi facilities for all passengers on its Norwich-Ipswich-Colchester-London intercity services before the end of this year after securing a grant of £346,000 from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils towards installation of the equipment involved. The agreement was formally announced at Norwich station on Tuesday 9 February by NXEA Managing Director Andrew Chivers, EEDA Chairman Richard Ellis and representatives of the county councils.

National Express has worked with its partners over the past 18 months to put together a compelling business case to secure funding for the installation costs of the scheme and to bring forward the upgrade within NXEA's current franchise. Business organisations in the region have also been supportive of the initiative with the economic case for installation very strong. According to the business case, the total capital investment of £346k provided by EEDA and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils will more than pay for itself in year one through the increased value of travel time in the region, followed by further significant benefits in subsequent years.

As well as being great news for customers, the scheme represents a tremendous example of EEDA, local authorities and National Express working in partnership to achieve an outcome which provides widespread benefits for people and businesses across East Anglia. Moreover, this investment will enhance perceptions of the Norwich to London mainline service, by offering commuters, business travellers and leisure users access to Wi-Fi which is now increasingly seen as a key component of an intercity-style rail service.

The Editorial Team.

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