Published: Monday, 1st February, 2010 1:21pm

Wi-fi on the move

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Now you can catch up with the Chronicle on-line while you're on the X76 to Kilmarnock.

Remember when travelling on the bus meant, at best, reading a good book or napping and at worst, staring into space? Those days are gone! Now you can take the laptop and PDA along with you to get some work done online or, if nothing else, have some fun and check your emails! Internet access is free and easy; there are no passwords, simply click on the stagecoach network and join the fun.

Stagecoach West Scotland are using new WiFi technology on their flagship X76 service from Cumnock and Kilmarnock to Glasgow. This busy service carries commuters and students into Glasgow city centre and to the city's universities.

Sam Greer, MD for Stagecoach West Scotland, said, "Providing free 'always-on' broadband access on routes frequented by commuters, students and tourists is a significant way for bus and coach operators to distinguish their service from others and increase passenger footfall."

Passengers traveling on the X76 coach service now have web access on the move at speeds up to 1.4Mbps thanks to the combination of Moovera's mobile Wi-Fi equipment and Vodafone UK's 3G broadband network."

Internet connectivity is provided by Moovera's Moovbox M Series, a small device that creates a Wi-Fi network throughout a vehicle. The Moovbox bridges the Wi-Fi network with Vodafone UK's 3G broadband service that uses HSDPA to deliver download speeds of around 1.4Mbps. The Moovbox also provides a secure Internet link for in-vehicle applications including CCTV for remote camera monitoring, and features built-in GPS tracking so that fleet operators know where their vehicles are at any time of day or night.

As well as internet access, three of the new 15m tri-axle 'Panther' coaches also have electric plug sockets at each double seat allowing passengers to preserve their battery power or even charge up their mobile devices!