Public transport wifi may get sponsors

Public transport wifi may be opened up to sponsors, according to a market consultation document published by CIÉ.

The group of companies wants to generate revenue from the provision of free on- board wifi on Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus and is examining the possible introduction of corporate sponsorship of the company's wifi services.

It is also seeking feedback on whether a third party could operate a “content-based” or “infotainment” web portal on the wifi “splash page” where passengers login.

CIÉ says it has “a strong desire that commercialisation opportunities be localised so customers receive relevant content”, while it also wants to “maximise revenues and minimise risk”.

Interested parties have been asked to take into account the varying journey types and transit lengths when giving their views on how best to monetise the wifi services.

There are some 18 million wifi sessions on Dublin Bus each year, with an average session lasting 29 minutes, according to the market consultation document.

On Iarnród Éireann trains there are six million sessions every year, with an average session length of 25 minutes on Dart trains and 35 minutes on intercity journeys.

On Bus Éireann services, the 2.25 million sessions each year have an average session length of 35 minutes.