The Department for Transport (DfT) in England is considering removing train onboard wifi as a cost-cutting measure. Advises operators to discontinue if not financially justified. 💻💰
Passenger surveys indicate wifi is low on the list of priorities for travellers, esp. on shorter journeys. 📊🚆
Critics argue that no wifi could discourage commuters from using trains as internet connectivity is essential for work/entertainment, making onboard wifi an important amenity. 🙅♂️📱
Similarly, in India, the plan to bring wifi to train journeys got derailed back in 2021 for better cost optimisation. 💸🚫
Estimated Cost Savings: Unquantifiable. ~$20 Mn. - ~$100 Mn. per annum 💰💸
Cost Optimisation Impact:
Cost-cutting reform could impact rail travel as passengers increasingly rely on wifi. 🚆💻🎧
There may be a mix of disappointment, understanding, and a sense of adjusting to the change among rail passengers. ☹️🤔😕
Given wifi on trains is a low priority for passengers, the government intends to reinvest the cost saved for better use of tax payer’s money
Country: United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Company: Multiple Rail Companies/ Rail Delivery Group (RDG) 🚂🏢
Industry: Rail transport 🚆
Cost Element: Technology and Communication Expenses or Connectivity Costs 📡💻🔌
Nature: Opex + Capex 💰📊
Cost Classification: Variable Cost ⚖️ + Operations Overheads ⚙️
Source: May 23, 2023 | Yorkshire Evening Post | https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/read-this/train-passengers-in-england-could-lose-access-to-wifi-amid-cost-cutting-measure-4154067
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