‘Transformational’ superfast wi-fi for train travellers among discussion at Friend of Far North Line railway conference
Superfast and reliable internet access for travellers on Highland trains will be among the items discussed at a special event in Inverness later this month.
Railways from the passenger's point of view will be the theme when the rail campaign group, the Friends of the Far North Line, holds its annual conference and AGM in the Highland capital on June 22.
This year's event will include three speakers, ranging from telecommunications experts to high-profile figures within ScotRail and Hitrans.
Among them will be Dr Robert Gardner, a telecommunications engineer, who has helped bring new-age satellite connectivity into the railway - both in terms of its infrastructure and also passenger-facing tech. He is currently an associate director with the government-owned Scottish Futures Trust in Edinburgh and works to enhance digital connectivity for all citizens of Scotland.
He will discuss high-speed broadband on trains using low orbit satellites, something which is currently running on only one train service in the world - Florida’s Brightline - but which proponents argue would be transformational on Highland lines where signals are often sparse.
Ian Budd, convener of the Friends of the Far North Line, said: ““If this were to be applicable to the Far North Line it would transform the journey possibilities for many people. The mobile coverage in the far north is obviously pretty sparse, but if this were available on the trains, for most local residents it would probably be faster than their home broadband!”
The other two main speakers will be Anthony Smith, who until recently was the chief executive of Transport Focus, and Roger French OBE, erstwhile managing director of Brighton & Hove Buses, but since retirement has been the writer of a very entertaining and informative blog about his travels all over the UK by public transport.
The event will also hear from Mark Ilderton, ScotRail's interim Service Delivery Director, and Frank Roach of Hitrans.
The conference and AGM will be held in Crown Church, Inverness, on Saturday, June 22. The AGM for members begins at 11am, with the conference, which is open to the public, following immediately afterwards at 11.45am.
