GNER puffs away

UK train operator GNER has today issued a press release triumphantly saying it has completed the installation of wireless broadband services on all its trains “seven months ahead of schedule”.

Well done.

But actually this is what they said in early September, when we first mentioned it on the blog.

A glossy brochure had arrived in the office one day saying all trains will be fitted with wireless system within a few weeks.

By our calculation that would mean mid-October. [Perhaps, after all, they are actually 10 days behind schedule!]

The dilemma still remains: pay an extra £30-odd for a first class ticket between London and Edinburgh and get free broadband access, hot drinks and nibbles – or pay a sizeable fee for an hourly or two-hourly hook-up.

Kevin May, editor, Travolution

Wifi to Edinburgh

Glossy one-page brochure arrived in the post today from UK train operator GNER, plugging its new hi-speed wi-fi internet connection for passengers.

The operator boasts how within a few weeks all 41 trains in its fleet – running between London, Leeds and Edinburgh – will be fitted with wireless technology.

The brochure even suggests some handy tips for passing the time, for those that aren’t spending their travelling hours still working [Surely some mistake – Ed?]

But what are the costs?

First class passengers will be delighted to learn that the service is free.

Standard class will be charged £4.95 for one hour or £7.95 for two hours.

A 24-hour tariff is available, obviously for passengers with return tickets rather than those stuck for hours, say, just outside Berwick following a power failure!

Price of a single first class ticket from London to Edinburgh tomorrow morning at 9am is £148. Price of a standard ticket on the same route at the same time is £111.

Is it worth the £37 upgrade for constant access, free tea and coffee, a comfy seat and complimentary nibbles?

Tricky one...

Kevin May, editor, Travolution