The announcement today that Aberdeen station is set to benefit from the introduction of Wi-Fi for passengers has been hailed as the latest demonstration of the SNP Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Aberdeen and the wider the North East.
In the latest phase of the move towards providing Wi-Fi services on Scotland’s trains and stations, Aberdeen has been named as one of 25 stations in Scotland that will see the service installed by December this year.
The SNP Government has promised to ensure that Wi-Fi facilities are available on trains and stations across Scotland’s rail network by 2019 and work is already under way to install these services with 59 ScotRail trains expected to be equipped with Wi-Fi by the end of 2013.
The current phase in the programme will see trains fitted at a rate of six or seven a month from October this year thanks to more than £1million of Scottish Government funding. Free Wi-Fi will be rolled out across 25 of ScotRail stations and all 38 of their Class 380 trains.
Commenting, the SNP’s candidate for Aberdeen Donside Mark McDonald said:
“This is a fantastic announcement and one that I am sure will be welcome news to the many people who use Aberdeen station on a regular basis.
“As one of the key drivers of Scotland’s economy, residents of Aberdeen have a right to expect the kind of modern infrastructure that helps support business and makes journeys more pleasant experiences.
“By giving passengers easy access to the internet at Aberdeen Station and onboard trains, the journeys people make will be significantly more pleasant and more productive.
“Today’s announcement is the latest demonstration of the SNP’s commitment to improving the infrastructure of Aberdeen and comes just days after the shortlist of companies bidding to construct the AWPR were announced.
“The SNP are delivering major improvements to Aberdeen’s infrastructure and reversing the decades of neglect that took place under previous Governments.”