Scottish MP calls for free Wi-Fi on public transport

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A Scottish MP has called for free wireless internet to be made available on Scotland’s public transport.

John Parks, the Scottish Labour Party’s economy and skills spokesman, believes that getting Wi-Fi onto all buses and trains will entice people to use public transport more and lead to a greener country.

“If we are going to meet our commitments on climate change we need to get people out of their cars and into public transport," said Parks in a statement. "The best way to do this is to make trains and buses more attractive.”

The party researched where Wi-Fi was already available and found National Express Trains and some Stagecoach and Citylink bus services providing it. However, Scotrail didn’t have Wi-Fi on any of their trains.

Parks said it could be part of a “Green New Deal” for Scotland.

“This is a sensible measure that would be good for the economy and good for the environment," he said. "In particular, I want to see those operators who benefit from public subsidy encouraged to raise their game.”

The Scottish Government released a statement saying much was already being done on public transport.

A spokesperson said: “Although the provision of wireless internet access on buses in Scotland is solely a matter for individual bus operators, the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland is already developing a business case for wireless provision on ScotRail services as part of the franchise agreement, which will report in due course."

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