Highlights of SmartRail Munich 2019 (SmartRailWorld)

We calculate there are currently 55 million different train fares in the UK — it’s a system of bewildering complexity and bafflement by those who use it. We want to move to a new system for customers where they pay for each leg of the journey they use — this works for TfL, but it is difficult to transpose ticket fares from London to the rest of the country.”

“We want to get rid of the cliff edge of peak/ off peak prices and smooth it out which will help operators with passenger flows. Not only will a new system of fares be good for customers but good for the planet, taking passengers away from aviation and road and onto rail, cutting C02 emissions. Airline travel is responsible for 3% of global emissions and there is a growing movement to ‘flight shame’ those who take unnecessary flights and by making rail travel easier we will nudge people into making more sustainable travel choices.”

Daniel Adamka, Chief Executive Officer, Arriva CZ

“Passengers expect free wifi and by offering this we will attract more paying customers. I get asked about why have Wi-Fi in 2020 when mobile networks are available, and that’s because trains act as Faraday cages — they have good signal inside, but limited signal outside. What would support a good Wi-Fi experience on the train is the connection to all base station on all frequencies, prioritised sim cards, and a closer cooperation with LTE operations.”

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