Train Stations: The New Shopping Meccas? | WiFi SPARK
While airports have always been used to flog perfumes, sweets and luggage to a captive audience, train station operators have been much slower to make the most...
Read more
3 minute read | 31/07/2019
Recent research found that the average commuting time in the UK has risen from 48 minutes to an hour and that one in seven commuters are now spending two or more hours of their day travelling to and from work. As commuting time continues to increase, passengers are likely to become more dissatisfied - unless transport providers, such as train operating groups, are able to provide free WiFi.
Long train and bus journeys are an ideal time to perform WiFi-reliant activities, such as browsing the web, checking social media, sending a few emails and using music and video streaming services. Not only does access to WiFi help passengers (whether they’re travelling for business or pleasure) stay entertained and productive, but it also helps to make their journey pass by quicker.
By improving the passenger experience, you can boost their satisfaction, which can entice people to return and travel with your services again.
But it wasn’t always like this. In the past, if passengers needed access to WiFi, they had to pay for it. This connection was typically unreliable and only lasted for a limited period of time. The alternative option was to use mobile data, which was also unreliable, due to signal black spots.
Thankfully, the introduction of free WiFi on UK trains in 2017 allowed WiFi-reliant passengers to breathe a great sigh of relief. This decision, among other rail innovations, has revolutionised travel and it’s now become an expectation for passengers.
However, it’s crucial you choose the right WiFi provider. The right provider can offer your passengers a continuously connected journey, which comes with a whole host of benefits, including:
For a closer look at how the continuously connected passenger journey (UK Patent 2556060) works, take a look at our infographic below.
The data in our infographic reveals just a glimpse of the impact transport WiFi can have for your passengers. The benefits for both passengers and TOGs run much deeper.
Luckily, we’ve put together a helpful guide that’s full of information about continuously connected passenger journeys. From the benefits of offering account-based validation to how WiFi can benefit your brand, marketing schemes and more, download a free copy of the guide today.
Rebecca is the Marketing Director. She's worked for SPARK TSL since 2012. She is responsible for high level marketing strategy focusing on lead generation and aiding the vision of the business; to ensure that no patient has to pay for entertainment.
More articles by the authorWhile airports have always been used to flog perfumes, sweets and luggage to a captive audience, train station operators have been much slower to make the most...
Read more
In the most recent NRPS figures, 50 percent of those asked labelled WiFi services on trains as being poor. Passengers are frustrated with limited connectivity...
Read more
When people go to sports matches, they want to be able to take pictures, film a spectacular goal, brag about their team winning or rant about the referee. That...
Read more