Tech start-up, Byway, dedicated to combating travel’s impact on the climate by simplifying flight-free travel, raises concerns over the Department For Travel’s proposal to remove train Wi-Fi as part of cost-cutting measures.
The business emphasises the importance of making train travel more accessible, appealing and competitive to reduce reliance on air travel and head towards a more sustainable future for the travel industry.
Byway, which builds trips across the UK and Europe by train, bus, boat and bike, stresses that Wi-Fi on trains is an important tool for keeping customers connected whilst using rail services. Removing Wi-Fi takes away the ability to plan routes, work whilst travelling, access entertainment on long rides and access real-time disruption information.
Its use is especially significant on longer journeys, which need to be encouraged as alternatives to air and car travel in order to combat carbon emissions, especially as more airlines are starting to offer free Wi-Fi onboard.
“Cutting train Wi-Fi could diminish the convenience and appeal of train journeys, discouraging travellers from opting for low-carbon travel alternatives. The decision to remove Wi-Fi would fly in the face of efforts to support and encourage flight-free travel. To meet sustainability goals, we need to see more investment in rail travel infrastructure, not less.” Cat Jones, Founder and CEO, Byway
