Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether improvements to WiFi connectivity on-board trains will be discussed during the Great Western Rail franchising talks.

Yes. Improved Wi-Fi connectivity has been a strong theme already, in particular among stakeholders in the South West of England.

The Department recognises the importance of providing Wi-Fi to passengers on trains and at stations, allowing them to use their journey time productively for work and leisure and to stay in touch and up to date with the latest information. We are committed to ensuring that at least 90% of services provide free Wi-Fi by the end of 2018 and expect that virtually all trains will be fitted by 2020.