Free Wi-Fi across public transport by Next Year

The Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism, Leo Varadkar, T.D., is aiming to have free wi-fi across all public transport systems. He believes that it will boost tourism and encourage more people on to public transport systems. DART and Commuter rail services go online this autumn, while Dublin Bus will place Wi-Fi on 80 buses by Christmas. Most of the public transport system will be covered by 2013.

Bus Éireann have already put in place a number of new vehicles with Wi-Fi available to the travelling public. Tests are being carried out on Luas services and should be available across the city by the end of the year.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport ( DTTS) hope that this will give Ireland a competitive edge, with Free Wi-Fi being made available in tourist offices around the country.

The Minister said “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.”