Damian Hinds has welcomed news that passengers on the London to Portsmouth line, which serves Petersfield, Liss and Liphook stations, look set to benefit from plans to boost on-board Wi-Fi.
However he also believes that there is a strong case for the Alton line to be included in the scheme.
The cost of delivering the upgrade to commuter trains across England and Wales will be funded in part by a record-breaking £53m fine levied on Network Rail for missing punctuality targets. Train operating companies will have to pitch for a share of the funds, with the London to Portsmouth line one of the busier routes which is likely to be favoured.
Seamless mobile broadband, achieved by installing equipment trackside and on- board, will replace the current reliance on satellite signals. The development is expected to be completed in 3-4 years, with noticeable improvements from 2015. The faster service will be available free of charge.
Damian Hinds said:
“I support any improvement to the lines serving East Hampshire, which will benefit existing passengers and encourage new ones. The availability of a reliable internet connection on-board will achieve the better service passengers deserve and expect and make the greener choice of train travel a more attractive prospect.
“Whilst it is likely that my constituents along the London to Portsmouth will enjoy this upgrade, I believe the high usage of the Alton line warrants the installation of broadband on these trains. I do hope that passengers on both lines will join me in calling on South West Trains not to leave out Alton and Bentley’s passengers in their plans.
“As a regular user of both lines myself, I know how annoying receiving weak or no signal can be. Hopefully this will make rail travel a better experience all round.”