As part of its plans to boost free wi-fi across its rail and bus services, CIÉ has launched a market consultation with interested parties to provide services to customers of its Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann companies. Proposals for free wi-fi have been invited, while offering other revenue-generation options for the group. Options include sponsorship and stored content such as news, entertainment and travel information for a fee.
CIÉ has also invited other suggestions for revenue generation, while maintaining free wi-fi access. There are now an estimated 26 million wi-fi sessions a year across the bus and rail fleets. All of the Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann fleet have free wi-fi , with installation funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA). CIÉ Group spokesman Barry Kenny says free wi-fi brings people to public transport in a way car travel cannot hope to equal.
