Wifi being fitted to XC Voyagers

[Freakofnature]

http://railwayeye.blogspot.com/2011/01/crosscountry-finally-fits-wifi-to-train.html


XC Unit 220030 has been fitted with wifi in first class finally.


Hopefully it wont be long before the rest of their trains start to see wifi being rolled out...




Is it a franchise agreement to provide the 'whole' train with wifi?


Or would they get away with allowing FC pax to use it only?

 

[MCR247]

Standard class needs it as well

 

[rail-britain]

Is it a franchise agreement to provide the 'whole' train with wifi?

Yes, all trains must be fitted
Due to failure to do so, Arriva is being fined for this

It is up to the TOC decide what rate of tarrif to apply, although typically First Class is free

 

[Drsatan]

It's surprising that although DfT Rail is known for its micromanagement of the rail industry, it hasn't done much to force XC to install WiFi on its trains which was a franchise commitment.

I think XC came up with all sorts of excuses as to why it couldn't fit WiFi, namely that any WiFi signals couldn't penetrate the sunshield film fitted to its Voyagers.

 

[Arriva158]

If EMT can do it with 7 car meridians, East Coast with 9 car HST's then i'm sure that XC can do it with 4 car voyagers at least!?

 

[Failed Unit]

It's surprising that although DfT Rail is known for its micromanagement of the rail industry, it hasn't done much to force XC to install WiFi on its trains which was a franchise commitment.

I think XC came up with all sorts of excuses as to why it couldn't fit WiFi, namely that any WiFi signals couldn't penetrate the sunshield film fitted to its Voyagers.

Use the same system as Virgin? It works!

 

[Trainbuff]

I am not sure about the installation. Good if it is true. However I did hear that due to installation costs and the potential of the franchise only lasting a few more years that XC would rather pay the fines as it is cheaper

 

[mumrar]

I am not sure about the installation. Good if it is true. However I did hear that due to installation costs and the potential of the franchise only lasting a few more years that XC would rather pay the fines as it is cheaper

And if it was my business, or anyone elses, that's exactly the stance I would take on it too. If it will cost more to install/maintain than to pay the fine up to the announcement of franchise extension, then it's a no brainer really. This is part of the problem though with privatisation, surely the ROSCO should be responsible for the fitting costs to 'their train' and the fine for the fact they have not done so.

If I hired a car for a Hertz rental and then the cops stopped me and said that the brake lights were faulty, or anything else similar, I'd take it back to them to fix.

 

[rail-britain]

I am not sure about the installation. Good if it is true. However I did hear that due to installation costs and the potential of the franchise only lasting a few more years that XC would rather pay the fines as it is cheaper

Yes, that is exactly the issue, bottom line cost instead of service level

As above, the DfT should be able to issue the TOC with an order rather than a fine
However, the issue is then that the TOC may be left short of rolling stock although I am quite sure it could easily be arranged as the XC had previously modified the Voyagers during the franchise

 

[daikilo]

Yes, that is exactly the issue, bottom line cost instead of service level

As above, the DfT should be able to issue the TOC with an order rather than a fine
However, the issue is then that the TOC may be left short of rolling stock although I am quite sure it could easily be arranged as the XC had previously modified the Voyagers during the franchise

Unless of course the DFT were to consider that the said TOC had not complied with its commitment and decided to penalise them in the next round of bids ...

 

[paulb]

XC train had free wifi on my journey from Coventry to Reading this morning. Looks like it's supported by Drogon.net

 

[mumrar]

Unless of course the DFT were to consider that the said TOC had not complied with its commitment and decided to penalise them in the next round of bids ...

Yeah right, the weak and meek DfT? If they have managed to allow NatEx to retain franchises after defaulting on East Coast, a scenario they said would guarantee a loss of all other TOCs, then I don't see them taking any sufficient stand here either.

 

[DarloRich]

it is about bloody time! I wonder if they have had an informal steer from DFT that their next bid would be punished if they didnt sort this out. Until now they seem to have been happy to keep paying the fines!

 

[387star]

Has this been tied in with the First Class carriage being refreshed (new upholstery and carpeting)
I was told in an email FC would see a refresh before standard class