Business leaders have welcome the introduction of free WiFi on board First Great Western Intercity and Night Riviera Sleeper rail services.

The launch of the free WiFi service comes as FGW released the findings of a recent survey which found rail passengers spend an average of half an hour working on board each day.

“It is fantastic news that the Intercity and Night Riviera Sleeper services now feature free WiFi,” said councillor Julian German, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy and culture.

“Improving connectivity is a fantastic incentive for business users who will be able to work while on board. This, combined with the recent confirmation that the Council has secured funding to roll out free WiFi across the Cornish rail network, will hopefully encourage more people to use the rail network, which in turn will help to secure these services into the future.”

Chris Pomfret, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Connectivity on the move is hugely important to business so the completion of the free WiFi rollout will be warmly welcomed because it will significantly improve productivity for all passengers. It also complements the multi-million pound Growth Deal investment secured by the LEP and our partners to upgrade the sleeper service.”

Kim Conchie, Chief Executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said: “Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is delighted that First Great Western trains from Cornwall will include free WiFi. We know the journey takes a long time - such is the price we pay for living in the most beautiful part of the UK - but if every business traveller and, indeed, all passengers can use the time on the train effectively and enjoyably it will make the journey a far more usable part of the day.”

Ann Vandermeulen, development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses in Cornwall said: “We certainly agree that a free WiFi service on trains is of great benefit to business and we welcome moves to increase the provision. In our recent study into the requirements that our members have to improve infrastructure for Cornwall, many stated that the deciding reason for them to use the train is if they know that they can work while they travel. Being able to do this certainly cuts down on “dead travel time” and aids productivity.

“An easy to access, stable and secure system is vital to maximise the work that can be done while on the move. Indeed our members would like high quality, free WiFi to be a standard facility on all services.”