Free wifi on trams

TRAM travellers will be able to connect to the internet as they ride, thanks to a £1.7 million deal to install free wifi on every tram.

By spring next year, all 94 trams will have the technology on board. It will also be available on 20 buses running the free city centre Metroshuttle service linking the main rail stations, car parks, shopping areas and businesses in Manchester city centre.

Transport for Greater Manchester has joined forces with Manchester and Salford City Councils and the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) to fund the innovative scheme.

Metrolink is on track to be the first light railway in England to becoming fully wifi capable.

Wifi has already been trialled on Metrolink, with positive feedback from customers who used it. It is hoped the availability across the network will make the trams and Metroshuttle buses a more attractive journey choice, supporting TfGM’s commitment to sustainable travel.

Metrolink trams will start to be fitted out with the latest wifi kit from early January by mobile internet connectivity specialist Icomera.

Extra funding has been secured to ensure any new trams brought into service in the next two years will also be fitted with wifi capability.
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