Internet supply in public transport is an every day more accessible service due to the fact that operators have become aware of the importance of communications not only on board but also inside vehicles so that they could be accessed by all users. Therefore, the implementation of these systems becomes an informant factor for boosting the attractiveness of public transport.
Railway transport begins to replace air and road transport and the tendency is on the increase due to railway operators who implement the new regulations and meet the passengers’ needs in terms of quality. In these circumstances, the development of the IT sector plays an important role, as these systems permit companies to supply the information required by users. They will also help attract new users who will be delighted to have real-time access to information while travelling. Information includes general and interactive information, WiFi connections, audio and video intranet with customized content.
Free internet access for passengers is one of the most important services supplied by railway operators. For providing wireless internet and broad band services via WiFi and WiMAX technologies at the underground, the authorities in Moscow will grant RUB 329.5 Billion (EUR 8.3 Billion) to the development of the IT network in 2012-2016. “Starting with 2013, passengers travelling by underground will be able to access the internet. According to studies, they would be willing to pay for the internet on their phones using the Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which permit data exchange between devices around 10 cm away of one another”, declared Artyom Yermolayev, manager of the Moscow Municipality IT Department.
Also, the passengers of Bucharest underground have free internet access in stations and in tunnels, due to the programme implemented in 2011 by the underground operator in partnership with internet services suppliers. “We have convinced phone companies to equip the underground network with the necessary installation that facilitates fast connections by using the internet and the new service is very popular among passengers and makes travelling by underground more attractive too”, declared Gheorghe Udrişte, Executive Manager Metrorex.
The implementation of the latest technologies in the area will determine people to choose public transport not only as an environmentally friendly and fast means of transport, but also as the best choice for a comfortable transport mode which combines working on the internet and travelling at the same time.
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