Train Company Bars Brief Encounters

A UK train operator has reiterated a ban on all dating apps via its on-board WiFi service. Despite the romance of rail journeys, as reflected in David Lean's epic Brief Encounters, Northern is adamant that online trysts are forbidden on its trains.

The train company said it felt it had to repeat the message for "older people and adults who have been off over the summer - and maybe not found that holiday romance".

Dating apps have been blocked by Northern since 2017. To be fair, the company has also banned all “adult content”. A spokesperson said it was due to some sites not having "appropriate levels of self-moderation".

Northern, which is part of the Friendly WiFi scheme, said it aims to make sure its on-board internet meets filtering standards suitable for any children that might be using it. Hence is has blocked gambling and nudity.

Matt Rice, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “Whilst some dating websites – and users – will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear - particularly children – isn’t viewed on our trains. With some of the other banned categories – it’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.”

In the end, it looks like passengers after a bit of romance may have to resort to hanging around the platform buffets waiting to get a bit of grit in their eye, in the same way that Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard did all those years ago.

On-board content, trackside delivery, satellite services and all aspects of WiFi on Trains will be put under the microscope at this year’s WiFi on Trains Conference, Traincomms 2024 in London on the 13^th and 14^th of November.

Please see: www.Traincomms.com

Traincomms 2024 is being sponsored by Huber+Suhner, Westermo, CGI, Boldyn Networks, Galgus and Icomera. Oxyfi, Antonics and Polomarconi will be exhibitors.