- Plan aims to encourage passengers & boost tourism
- DART & Dublin Commuter rail services going online this autumn
- 80 new Dublin Bus vehicles to offer Wi-Fi by Christmas
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has announced plans to make free Wi-Fi available across almost the entire public transport system in 2013.
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.
And as part of a drive to provide up-to-date facilities for tourists and to help Dublin and Ireland to maintain a competitive edge, Wi-Fi services are also being provided in tourism offices across Ireland, including the principle office on O’Connell Street. It’s also being proposed for the tourist office on Suffolk Street, and a total of 16 offices throughout Ireland. The service is being tried and will be available in a number of offices in the near future.
“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.”
- Dart and Dublin commuter services will come online this autumn, and Wi-Fi is now available on all Irish Rail intercity services;
- Aside from the 80 new Dublin Bus vehicles, Wi-Fi is currently being tested on ten Dublin Bus vehicles on the No. 16 route with positive feedback from customers. 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;
- Wi-Fi has been successfully trialled on two Luas trams and is expected to be provided on all trams in 2013.
Issued by: Press Office, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Contact: (01) 6041090/(01) 6041087 Nick Miller 086 6992080
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