EEDA - East of England Development Agency

EEDA leads on Wi-Fi project for Norwich to London train line

9 February 2010

Funding from EEDA and Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils announced today will ensure Wi-Fi is installed on the Norwich to London train line benefitting many businesses in the East of England.

National Express East Anglia (NXEA) is to introduce Wi-Fi facilities for all passengers on its Norwich – Ipswich – Colchester - London intercity services before the end of this year with a grant of £346,000 from EEDA and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils to fund installation of the Wi-Fi equipment.

EEDA has led the development of the three-way funding package over the past few months, working closely with Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, following the submission of a compelling business case to install Wi-Fi on the Norwich to London line. Business organisations in the region have also been supportive of the initiative with the wider economic case for installation very strong.

Richard Ellis, chair of EEDA said:

“The business case for investment in Wi-Fi on the Norwich to London line is compelling.  EEDA is taking a leading role in bringing together local partners to identify and deliver projects like this that have a real impact on business productivity.

“The project would not have gone ahead without the combined funding from EEDA and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils. It is a great example of how, by working together, we can secure economic benefits for those living and working in the East of England.”

Commenting on the go-ahead for the project Andrew Chivers, Managing Director, NXEA said:

“I am delighted to announce the introduction of Wi-Fi on our intercity trains on the Norwich to London mainline later this year and I would particularly like to thank EEDA and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils for their funding support towards the upgrade. I am also grateful to Shaping Norfolk’s Future and both the Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce who have spoken in support of this exciting initiative. It illustrates our ongoing commitment to continue to invest in improving train services for our customers in the region following the recent launch of our Service Improvement Plan which is centred on providing extra seats on services into London over the next two years. The first stage of that programme began last December and with further benefits to follow in December 2010 and next year.”

NXEA has proactively pursued a collaborative approach to this customer-focused programme which involves operating costs for the company of over £200,000 a year. Without this commitment and the funding support of EEDA and the County Councils the installation of Wi-Fi at such an early date would not have been possible.

Adrian Gunson, Cabinet member for Planning and Transportation on Norfolk County Council said:

“This is particularly good news for business travellers. The big advantage of intercity rail travel for business is that the time spent on the move can be put to good use. Wi-Fi on the train means that it can be used even more productively.”

Councillor Guy McGregor, portfolio holder for roads, transport and planning at Suffolk County Council said:

"Railway services from London into Ipswich and Norwich ought to be regarded as an important intercity route and this support for the business traveller, as well as the more general computer user, will give credibility to this claim."

The total capital investment of £346,000 provided by EEDA and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils will more than pay for itself in year one through the increased value of travel time in the region, followed by further significant benefits in subsequent years.

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