Commuting takes a step into the digital age with BT funded trial - Charing Cross gets WiFi internet with view to roll-out
Published: 05 November 2010
by JOSH LOEB
COMMUTING by Tube took a step into the digital age this week as a West End station became the first to get WiFi internet access.
For a limited period, passengers can surf wirelessly on their smartphones and laptops in the ticket hall and Northern and Bakerloo line platforms at Charing Cross Tube station.
Underground bosses say that if it proves successful, the service could be rolled out more widely on the Tube network.
The trial, which is funded by BT, does not involve providing web access on Tube trains themselves. Elenor Etherington, a commuter at Charing Cross, told the West End Extra: “It’s useful. I’m sure it will be rolled out to the whole underground network at some point.”
Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s transport adviser, said: “An ever growing commuter populous has been clamouring to be able to check their emails and browse the net whilst on the go.
“This trial at Charing Cross will allow them to do just that whilst on the Tube platform.”