'Assuming trains are running' Rail users take aim at David Cameron despite free Wi-Fi plan

The Prime Minister today promised that train travellers will benefit from free wireless internet from 2017 as part of a Government cash injection.

He told MPs that the ability to access Wi-Fi was vital for rail users, whom he had previously heard were fed up of being stuck on trains from "the analogue age".

The investment will cover services operated by TSGN, Southeastern, Chiltern and Arriva Trains Wales, Mr Cameron said.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, he said: "It's vital for businesses and for individuals to be able to access Wi-Fi and do their work and all other contact while they are on trains.

"I am pleased to announce plans that will see the rollout of free Wi-Fi on trains across the UK from 2017.

"The Government will invest nearly £50 million to ensure that rail passengers are better connected.

"Passengers that make over 500 million journeys every year with the four rail operators, TSGN, Southeastern, Chiltern, Arriva Trains Wales, will all benefit from this investment."

The announcement was made in response to a question from former culture secretary Maria Miller, who said passengers were "increasingly frustrated our trains are stuck in the analogue age".

However, the plans were swiftly blasted by Twitter users - some of whom took the opportunity to take a swipe at rail fare prices, which increased by as much as two per cent last month.

"Free wifi on trains with £50m govt investment How about just making it affordable to travel by train first?" said one user.

Another posted: "How about making it so we can afford to ride on trains before niceties like wi-fi."

"Always assuming there are trains still running," said one user.

"I would focus on ensuring they turn up on time and with sufficient capacity first," tweeted another.