PKP Intercity signed a contract with Alstom for the installation of Wi-Fi devices in Express InterCity Premium (EIP) trains originally manufactured by Alstom. The first Pendolino trains with access to the free wireless internet will be on the tracks later in 2018. The contract amounts to PLN 31.7 million (EUR 7.4 million) and, in addition to Wi-Fi installations, also includes maintenance for 5 years.
“The railway sector has been radically changing in recent years. Our objective is for it to be safe, comfortable and timely. We endeavor to reach this goal through the comprehensive investments carried out both in terms of railway infrastructure and rolling stock. All in order to have a fully modernized and modern railway in Poland by 2023. The plan consists of a number of contracts carried out annually by entities of the PKP Group. One of them is the contract for the installation of Wi-Fi devices in 20 Pendolino trains, based on which the first EIP trains with the wireless Internet access will be in use later this year” – says Andrzej Adamczyk, Minister of Infrastructure.
“The installation of wireless internet in the EIP depots will start in September. In August this year pilot tests of Wi-Fi devices in Pendolino were successfully carried out. Pendolino trains will enrich the number of trains equipped with Internet access. At this point, the Wi-Fi network is available in 171 PKP Intercity cars and 40 combined sets (PesaDart, Flirt3). The carrier plans that by the end of 2018 Wi-Fi will be available in 200 conventional cars and this number will be constantly increased” adds Andrzej Bittel, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure.
“Internet access in the public space is one of the most commonly expected standards of the 21st century and therefore we are providing it in more and more trains and train stations”, says Krzysztof Mamiński, President of the PKP S.A. Management Board.
“Alstom is pleased to be entrusted the installation of Wi-Fi in Pendolino trains. We know that Polish passengers are waiting for it and we are sure that it will increase their comfort and satisfaction with the journey. It is also important for us that our client will have a rolling stock meeting the highest European standards”, said Lesław Kuzaj, President of Alstom in Poland.
According to customer satisfaction surveys carried out by PKP Intercity, travelers decide on the Express InterCity Premium offer primarily due to high security and comfort of traveling. Passengers appreciate the guarantee of seats, easy access to the power socket, comfortable armchairs and the possibility of using the special Silence Zone. Trains are also adapted to the needs of disabled people, as well as provide a comfortable journey for families with children. Soon, EIP passengers will also be able to use the free wireless internet.
Alstom teams in Warsaw will be responsible for the installation of Wi-Fi devices in Pendolinos (ED250).
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