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Title: FGW HST WiFi Post by: thetrout on December 30, 2008, 15:55:43 Does anyone know when FGW are putting in the WiFi on their HST sets?
I know there we definately plans they were going to do it, just haven't heard when..? Any Idea's? TT Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: super tm on December 30, 2008, 16:28:42 Last time I spoke to a manager they did not seem very sure it will happen at all.
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: IndustryInsider on December 30, 2008, 17:38:12 An initial contract was not signed due to problems with the supplier and I believe FGW management are now getting cold feet due to the cost of installation and the likelihood that Wi-Fi will soon be obsolete as replacement(s), probably a thing called Wi-Max, will soon be taking over. Technology marches on!
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: 6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01 on December 30, 2008, 18:23:37 An initial contract was not signed due to problems with the supplier and I believe FGW management are now getting cold feet due to the cost of installation and the likelihood that Wi-Fi will soon be obsolete as replacement(s), probably a thing called Wi-Max, will soon be taking over. Technology marches on! not only that 3g usb dongles are ten a penny now and aslong as your on a decent network there pretty good! i myself use the net and emails aswell as msn messenger on my iphone it rarly disconnects, i can even remote admin to my pc at home and do stuff i thought impossible a few years ago Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: devon_metro on December 30, 2008, 19:07:25 I have a wifi mobile device, so please FGW, install it :)
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: 6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01 on December 30, 2008, 21:56:43 I have a wifi mobile device, so please FGW, install it :) to be fair i did miss something out.... im on 02 as a result i get unlimited data and 3g on some networks the amount i use it would make me bankrupt so in fairness may be a good gesture for customers Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: Sprog on December 30, 2008, 23:02:24 Doubt it will happen.
Why? ^ & advancing technology/customer demand. Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: Shazz on January 02, 2009, 02:11:25 to be fair 3g broadband isn't exactly expensive thesedays, and anyone who needs it probably has it for commuting now anyway...
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: Henry on January 02, 2009, 08:58:42 No doubt FGW have looked at the health & safety aspects of wi-fi. Concerned at any possible health risks with 'radio waves' in a very confined area. Us non technophobic's who can bear to be parted from our pc's for a little might be at risk. Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: eightf48544 on January 02, 2009, 13:06:32 Call me a luddite but when I travelled by train on business I used to love the fact that once I'd left home until i got to the other end I was incommunicado.
I think it was the 08:05 St Pancras - Derby was one of my favorites a leisurely breakfast then sit and watch the countryside roll by and note any passing freights or locos at Leicester and then see the Reasearch Centre and works at Derby before arrivng relaxed and ready for meetings. Then a sleep a trip to the buffet fro a beer on way home ready for supper. I feeel realy sorry for people who feel they have to keep in touch with the office all the time and tap away at their laptop, unless they are all playing Freecell my current score 225 wins 0 losses (but then the Vista version is far too easy). You know the country would be a lot happier if we didn't work so much. Remember the 3 day week productivity rose! Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: thetrout on January 02, 2009, 13:12:10 I see everyones Point regarding the advancing technology such as WiMax and 3G modems etc
But what I can't understand is why when other companies such as NXEC, Southern and Grand Central can offer it but FGW aren't. I mean I would understand if they only put it on the HST sets for routes into and out of London Paddington. Which in theory would make sense beings as these trains have all the power plugs etc. Although it would be nice to see it on the Portsmouth - Cardiff Route the amount of laptops i've seen people using on these trains would probably be a pointless investment. I've heard that XC are going to install WiFi on their trains which would be of some benefit to me as they serve my home town of Taunton. Granted 3G modems aren't that expensive and you can get a 3G modem from O2 for ^15 a month which includes unlimited WiFi on The Cloud networks and 3GB data Transfer on the 3G Modem. Great when I'm Travelling Taunton & Bristol in the morning. However, Bristol - Swindon with the amount of tunnels on that line is a different kettle of fish altogether! Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: devon_metro on January 02, 2009, 13:14:20 FGWs offering in First Class aren't anything special, so i'd have thought a free wi-fi service would be welcomed by all customers.
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: thetrout on January 02, 2009, 13:58:45 FGWs offering in First Class aren't anything special, so i'd have thought a free wi-fi service would be welcomed by all customers. Agreed, I think free WiFi would be very much welcome. NXEC offer it free and I think GC do as well. Also on your other comment, I think FGW's First Class is better than South West Trains although it is more expensive! Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: devon_metro on January 02, 2009, 14:06:14 Well yes, it beats SWTs offerings, although compared to Cross Country where you (are supposed to ::)) get a hot meal, same goes to Hull Trains and Grand Central, WSMR, Virgin etc
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: thetrout on January 02, 2009, 14:15:36 Well yes, it beats SWTs offerings, although compared to Cross Country where you (are supposed to ::)) get a hot meal, same goes to Hull Trains and Grand Central, WSMR, Virgin etc CrossCountry and hot meals, HA lol, you'd be very lucky. You order a Tea on XC and they forget to bring it to you! I've travelled with XC a fair few times and have had a hot meal or sandwich twice. Apparently on their HST sets the microwaves are installed but aren't connected to the power supply, so no power, no hot food. Although saying that I did get offered a free chicken sandwich on one of their HST services, superb that, one problem... I'm a Vegetarian :D "Oh... We don't have a vegetarian option today sir, Ok. I'll have a cup of tea then please. I can't offer hot drinks today i'm afraid sir, the trolley water supply is faulty." Grrr I could go on about XC but I won't for fear of going off the topic of FGW WiFi Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: devon_metro on January 02, 2009, 14:35:58 Indeed, I have a complaint to Cross Country pending regarding catering!
Personally i'd say a good level of First Class service for a TOC such as FGW who operate long distance services would be a complimentary hot breakfast served at seat between 0600 and 1000 on services from Plymouth, Cardiff, Worcester, Gloucester and Bristol as far as Reading on services to London, and from 1600 - 1930 a complimentary hot evening meal. Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: thetrout on January 02, 2009, 14:46:40 Even just a Travelling Chef On the 07:15 Taunton - London Paddington and the 18:00 Bath Spa - Taunton Would be greatly appreciated. Sit on those trains for about an hour and 30 minutes. Consquently if i've just finished work and take the 18:00 to taunton. I dont get to eat till 20:00 in the evening unless I want a Cheese and Tomato Panini or a Mushroom Stroganoff. Which over the 5 months i've been travelling on this route gets incredibly boring.
I think FGW need to change their offerings in the Buffet and First Class. They've had the same offerings for well over 2 years. Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: devon_metro on January 02, 2009, 15:01:40 I can imagine!
Thinking about it, wouldn't a wireless service help to reduce the number of people travelling at peak times, if it meant that people could work before and after being at the office, so arriving into London later, and leaving earlier? Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: thetrout on January 02, 2009, 15:21:06 You would have thought so :P
It would certainly benefit alot of people, Like Students, Business Travellers and the like. Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: Btline on January 02, 2009, 17:23:41 I can imagine! Thinking about it, wouldn't a wireless service help to reduce the number of people travelling at peak times, if it meant that people could work before and after being at the office, so arriving into London later, and leaving earlier? In theory it would. But in reality, people would just extend their working day (i.e. working on the train instead of sleeping). But the whole idea of changing working times needs to be addressed. ----------------- Regarding XC, the shop always run out of bacon rolls. Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: John R on January 02, 2009, 18:23:18 Even just a Travelling Chef On the 07:15 Taunton - London Paddington and the 18:00 Bath Spa - Taunton Would be greatly appreciated. Aren't they dying out? According to the latest timetable there isn't even a TC on the 0730 Bristol to Paddington any more, though I haven't tried it yet. Is there a definitive list on which services TC's operate? (And weren't they suppose to become brasseries?) Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: Btline on January 02, 2009, 18:25:09 I think the two peak Cotswold morning trains are Travelling Chef/ Brassarie.
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: thetrout on January 02, 2009, 18:39:07 Your right in what your saying, I haven't seen a TC for quite a while. Although this part of FGW's website seems to say otherwise, It doesn't show the times. But it's a new menu.
http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1124 http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=1168 I'll go get the timetable in a minute and see if any TC's are listed on there. Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: devon_metro on January 02, 2009, 18:42:00 Even just a Travelling Chef On the 07:15 Taunton - London Paddington and the 18:00 Bath Spa - Taunton Would be greatly appreciated. Aren't they dying out? According to the latest timetable there isn't even a TC on the 0730 Bristol to Paddington any more, though I haven't tried it yet. On the Bristol - Paddington route yes, Most Swansea, Plymouth and Penzance have a travelling chef. Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: thetrout on January 02, 2009, 19:13:56 To Avoid going off topic I have created a separate Thread for the Catering on FGW Services
Here is the link http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=4097.0 Also includes the timings of Travelling Chef, Most of which avoid Bristol Temple Meads Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: JayMac on December 10, 2013, 17:08:44 First Great Western announces major WiFi expansion plans
From the FGW press release: Quote Tuesday 10 December First Great Western has announced a time scale for the implementation of free WiFi on board its High Speed Train fleet and Night Riviera Sleeper services. On 14 October First Great Western pledged to increase WiFi provision as part of its new, 23-month franchise. First Great Western has now concluded an agreement with Nomad Digital which will see all 53 of its High Speed Trains and its Night Riviera trains fitted with WiFi. Work on fitting the High Speed Trains with WiFi will start in May 2014, with full completion due by the end of the year. WiFi on the two daily Night Riviera services will be available by June 2014. First Great Western Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: ^We have trialled WiFi on board our fleet of Class 180 trains, serving the north Cotswolds, and it has been very well received by customers. ^I am delighted that we are able to extend this free service, and within the next year all high speed and Sleeper fleet customers will be able to read their emails, browse the web, or simply catch up with friends while on the move.^ WiFi is currently available at a number of FGW stations through the public provider The Cloud. Nomad Digital, the company chosen to provide the wireless solutions for the High Speed Train and Sleeper fleets, has seen a vast increase in demand for WiFi and other wireless connected services on trains worldwide. Nomad Digital^s CEO, Andrew Taylor said: ^The public^s demand for WiFi connectivity on transport has grown rapidly, becoming a vital tool for working and staying connected while on the move. Nomad is proud to be providing the technology, as well as playing a central part in another valuable service that First Great Western will provide for its customers.^ Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: stebbo on December 10, 2013, 20:18:56 No peace anywhere then, what with airlines allowing mobiles etc. There used to be a time when a rail journey with an early start/late return was a chance to read a newspaper and get away from the grind for an hour or so.
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: bobm on December 10, 2013, 20:20:56 If they are putting WiFi on the sleepers, the installation of power points at the same time would be good!
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: ChrisB on December 11, 2013, 10:51:48 Someone asked that Q on twitter, and got a negative answer....
Cue pax trying to use the shaver socket & blowing the circuits.... Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: bobm on December 11, 2013, 13:45:08 Who would think of doing such a thing? ;)
Title: Re: FGW HST WiFi Post by: SDS on December 11, 2013, 18:37:57 The staff already use the plug sockets just outside the coffee brewing room (pantry??) at the end of the sleeper carriages.
--- Dear colleagues, We have today confirmed a timescale for the implementation of free WiFi on board all 53 High Speed Trains and two Night Riviera sleeper trains. Following an agreement with provider Nomad Digital, work to fit WiFi on High Speed Trains will start in May 2014 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. WiFi on sleeper trains will be available by June 2014. WiFi has been trialled on Class 180 trains serving the North Cotswolds and it is already available at a number of stations through public provider The Cloud. The expansion of free WiFi on HST services was just one of a series of customer improvements we agreed as part of the new franchise. It forms only a part of our agenda for improving the services we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. Mark Hopwood Managing Director This page is printed from the "Coffee Shop" forum at http://gwr.passenger.chat which is provided by a customer of Great Western Railway. Views expressed are those of the individual posters concerned. Visit www.gwr.com for the official Great Western Railway website. Please contact the administrators of this site if you feel that content provided contravenes our posting rules ( see http://railcustomer.info/1761 ). The forum is hosted by Well House Consultants - http://www.wellho.net |