DESPITE MANY USERS speaking of its ‘limited accessibility’ a local Ulsterbus Translink Inspector has backed the wireless Internet service (Wi-Fi) available on the Enniskillen to Belfast bus service.
The 261 between Enniskillen and Belfast is a popular route used by a large number of students and people throughout the county and, through the Herald, readers have expressed their frustration at the service either being slow to use or the service non existent.
Market researcher ,Mairead O’Hara admitted her frustration with the service.
“I use the 261 about twice a week now. I wouldn’t say it’s false advertising (saying there is Wi-Fi onboard) I’d just say it’s a slow connection and I’d prefer using my mobile data.
“Using my laptop, it disconnects quite a bit on their Wi-Fi. I’m just disappointed it’s a slow speed.”
Sarah Jane Stinson from Belnaleck said that while it may be a good idea, the quality of service meant it is of little use to passengers.
“It does work for things like Whats app, but you couldn’t go on Facebook on it or load a webpage. I suppose they should make you aware of its limited accessibility. I thought the point of it was for students, but sure you couldn’t even waste time on Facebook never mind do work!”
Others said things like, “It doesn’t work”, “the Wi-Fi is useless”, “pointless” and “a nice thought”.
In all, of the people spoken to none was able to compliment the quality, speed or service provided by the Wi-Fi on the Ulsterbus Goldline 261.
In response, Lawrence Harte, Translink Inspector in Enniskillen said as far as he was concerned there was no problem.
“I will be honest, nobody has reported into us that it is not working. As far as I am aware there definitely isn’t a problem, or people haven’t said it to us anyway.
“It would be ourselves in Enniskillen as well that would be at the front line of any complaints, so unless they are getting calls up at the Belfast call centre about the issue.”
A Translink spokesman explained: “Wi-Fi coverage on our bus and rail services is determined by the level/quality of network coverage in a particular area.
“We investigate all complaints and feedback from passengers on the level of Wi-Fi service across our network with our suppliers, Fleet Connect.”
On the Translink website, under the heading ‘Are there any connectivity black-spots?’, the West of the province is highlighted as an area of particular intermittent coverage, something, the spokesman suggested, was ‘beyond the control of Translink and FleetConnect.’
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