RAIL commuters on Airedale line services can now access free Wi-fi internet.

Train operator Northern Rail officially launched the service last Thursday (Jan 23) by taking tablet computers aboard a train, and giving demonstrations to passengers.

Staff were joined by representatives of the partner organisations involved in the initiative, which has been made possible with a £750,000 investment from Broadband UK, an arm of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

This is the first Wi-fi installation of its kind for Northern. Free Wi-fi will be available on Northern’s electric trains, which operate between Leeds, Keighley, Skipton, Ilkley and Bradford Forster Square.

As well as being able to access the internet, passengers initially sign in to an internet platform designed for Northern Rail.

This offers access to television, film, sport, music and shopping content, as well as links to selected partners, plus information.

The project is a joint initiative between Northern Rail, Leeds City Council, Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Communications equipment was fitted to Northern’s Class 333 trains and the service was tested earlier this month, before the service was officially unveiled.

The venture may be extended to provide access for passengers waiting for trains, but this would require additional partners.