26 more Scottish train stations to get wifi access

ScotRail is expanding wifi capability on its train fleet. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The Scottish Government agency said the number of ScotRail stations with wifi would double to 52 within a year under the £863,000 funding.

The 26 additional stations to be equipped will include Aviemore, Bathgate, North Berwick and Troon.

Ryder Cup passengers will be able to access wifi on ScotRail’s class 158 diesel trains. The operator’s 59 class 170 trains, which also serve Gleneagles, have already had wifi fitted. The addition means nearly half of ScotRail’s trains will be covered.

Transport minister Keith Brown said: “We want to ensure all passengers can get on with their busy lives while travelling, and that visitors to truly international events have a good experience of our rail networks.

“Scotland’s business community has made it clear that wifi access on commuter routes would boost competitiveness in Scotland, and we are already well on the way to ensuring online access on all of our busiest commuter routes.

“The first round concentrated mainly on our busiest stations. The second tranche will see relatively low-footfall stations at Wick, Kyle of Lochalsh, Oban and Aviemore all benefit, as well as other tourism-heavy stations such as Troon, Leuchars and Balloch.”

ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: “It’s vital we stay up to date with latest digital technology – with more than a quarter of a million wifi users on our express trains each month.

“With this in mind, we’re also optimising our entire website for people using mobile devices and updating the wifi log-in process so people can stay connected when moving between trains and platforms.”