There is an ever-increasing need for high-speed train Wi-Fi. But while passengers expect to be fully connected, many train operators can’t deliver on demands with existing rail Wi-Fi solutions. Mobile technology does not allow for consistent or reliable connectivity, particularly in rural locations.
Lack of connectivity has a real impact on customer satisfaction levels. Our recent IPSOS survey indicated less than half of all passengers are currently satisfied with onboard Wi-Fi provision and of these, 82% are not confident with the reliability of the service.
Developed by rail experts for rail, rail-5G removes the compromise between operator and passenger needs. With reliable capacity, at up to 50 times today’s average speeds, rail-5G offers a step change for both passengers and operators.
rail-5G allows rail operators to provide passengers with internet connectivity up to 50 times today’s average speeds, allowing your customers to enjoy unprecedented, uninterrupted levels of connectivity for a truly connected journey.
Discover rail-5G, the world’s first multigigabit track-to-train onboard Wi-Fi connectivity solution or read on for more insights from rail passengers.
Making rail travel an attractive choice
The bandwidth capacity of current onboard train Wi-Fi systems simply cannot cope with the demand for data. Meanwhile, rail operators recognise the increasing need to futureproof their services and satisfy passengers.
70% of UK adults feel reliable onboard Wi-Fi is very or somewhat important, increasing to 77% for the 25-34 age group.
Additionally, research shows 40% of UK adults are more likely to consider taking the train over other (more polluting) modes of transport if they have access to fast, reliable onboard Wi-Fi.
Providing passengers with a positive rail travel experience – encouraging them to become repeat customers and empowering them to make greener travel choices – requires Wi-Fi that enables every journey to be productive and entertaining.
Boost passenger productivity
Rail operators have an increasing opportunity to attract and retain new commuter customers by creating a seamless working environment with high-speed connectivity where commuters can use their travel time effectively to continue working or as a place to decompress between work and home.
With superfast Wi-Fi commuters can:
- Quickly upload and download large documents
- Host and attend virtual meetings
- Reliably send and receive emails
- Attend webinars
Attracting people back into cities is vital for economic growth, and making the commute part of the working day will support the recovery ambitions of both the industry and the government. Research shows travellers will be more likely to choose rail over more polluting forms of transport following the pandemic. High speed, rail-5G continuous connectivity has the ability to transform the commuter journey, enabling business travellers to work with uninterrupted online meetings and calls.
Extended leisure time
Travelling by rail offers leisure passengers the perfect opportunity to enjoy some undisrupted downtime while travelling to their destination but less than 50% of people are satisfied with current levels of onboard train Wi-Fi.
Additional leisure time can not only enhance the passenger experience but can also decrease travel perception time. Providing passengers with connectivity allows for an efficient and relaxing journey that improves their travel experience and, subsequently customer satisfaction. With access to superfast Wi-Fi passengers can enjoy uninterrupted entertainment including watching live sports, streaming, listening to podcasts and gaming.
Provide your passengers with real-time information
But the benefits can be equally more practical and nip passenger frustrations before they get chance to fester. Train lines running efficiently on time and with adequate staff and resources are the ideal. But it’s not always the reality. Disrupted plans or being delayed is always going to be part of train travel, but a rail operator tackling this readily and efficiently can enhance a positive reputation.
Providing passengers with real-time information is essential, particularly during periods of disruption. rail-5G technology integrates with train services such as passenger information systems, travel updates, or surveys and so enables operators to keep passengers up to date and well-informed.
High-speed train Wi-Fi also supports passenger safety with CCTV live streaming in HD and access to live operational data. This enables operators to be aware of and respond to challenges as they happen on individual trains, so keeping passengers moving as promptly as possible.
Embracing new technology, systems and ways of working is vital to create seamless user journeys, improve services, meet environmental targets, and improve passenger satisfaction. rail-5G can play a key role in enabling the industry to deliver that change.
Getting onboard with a connected future
As the industry strives to deliver on GBR’s digital strategy: to surpass customer expectations, enhance operational delivery, and deliver a future-proofed provision for connectivity, solutions need to work harder to offer multiple benefits.
rail-5G delivers a step change in the customer experience and operational improvements with internet connectivity up to 50 times today’s average speeds. Customers can enjoy unprecedented, uninterrupted levels of Wi-Fi for a truly connected journey, while rail operators gain an affordable, safe system for key operational improvements, which can improve service delivery and further enhance the passenger experience.