We’re really excited to improve things for 1,000s of Tyne and Wear Metro customers
A free public Wi-Fi service is being trialled on the Tyne and Wear Metro for the first time, with Nexus beginning a three-month pilot at Central Station in Newcastle city centre.
The trial, which launched on Monday 8 December, aims to improve connectivity for passengers at one of the network’s busiest underground stations, where 4G and 5G coverage is limited. The new Metro Connect network allows customers to get online at no cost, with the quickest access available through the Pop App.
Nexus said that if the scheme proves successful, Wi-Fi could be introduced at additional underground locations. Steve Duchar, Head of ICT at Nexus, said: “We’re really excited to be piloting the Tyne and Wear Metro’s first ever free Wi-Fi service, which is going to really improve the digital experience for thousands of our customers.
“Better connectivity at our underground Metro stations is something that customers really want to see, and we’re now able to start delivering that through this initial trial… We understand how important it is for people to stay connected while they are on the move.”
Customers will be able to make Wi-Fi calls, browse the internet and access real-time updates via the Pop App from platforms and the ticket concourse. The network can also be accessed through Purple, the service provider, via a short registration process.
Nexus will monitor usage to assess whether the service should be extended to other underground stations, including Monument, Haymarket, Jesmond, St James and Gateshead. The Metro Connect Wi-Fi is filtered to block indecent or inappropriate content.