Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced Sydney Trains customers can now enjoy uninterrupted mobile phone coverage in the CBD and surrounding areas, with reception live in the city’s underground tunnels.

Mobile coverage for the T4 Eastern Suburbs Line has been switched on this week, completing the roll out of 18,000 metres of cabling in Sydney’s underground.

“Last year coverage went live in the City Circle and tunnels north to Chatswood, and I am pleased we have now put an end to mobile phone dropouts for customers travelling south to Erskineville and east to Bondi Junction,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The rollout of mobile coverage is another example of how we are listening to customers and making a difference to their journey, with real-time apps, new Twitter handles and the completion of Opal on the Sydney Trains network.”

The Eastern Suburbs is the last part of the underground network to have mobile and internet reception switched on – meaning customers can stay connected with friends, family or work while they are travelling.

“It is unbelievable it has taken this long. The limited coverage through tunnels has been a frustration to our customers for many years,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Optus first approached the then State Rail Authority in 1996 to install infrastructure to provide mobile phone coverage in the Sydney CBD underground rail network. But Labor failed to do anything about it.
“I am pleased that finally our customers are able to benefit from a clear signal in the Sydney Trains underground network.”
Sydney Trains chief executive Howard Collins said today’s announcement is another example of a Customer First approach to improve journeys and bring the network into the 21st century.

“Many customers these days use mobile phones, tablets and laptops to stay in touch while they’re travelling on public transport,” Mr Collins said.

“This project means customers can also keep up to date with what’s happening on the network while they travel, thanks to Sydney Trains updates on Twitter.

“Sydney Trains has launched new line specific Twitter handles to ensure customers receive all the latest travel information about services on their train line.

“Updates are made regularly on each Twitter feed, allowing customers to access real time service information about their journey.

“Customers can also use the popular real-time apps to find out how far away their connecting services are – while they’re on the move.”

The mobile phone coverage project was undertaken with lead carrier Optus, along with Telstra and Vodafone.

Customers can follow Sydney Trains’ twitter updates on the following accounts:

· North Shore, Northern & Western Line: @T1SydneyTrains

· Airport, Inner West & South Line: @T2SydneyTrains

· Bankstown Line: @T3SydneyTrains

· Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line: @T4SydneyTrains

· Cumberland Line: @T5SydneyTrains

· Carlingford Line: @T6SydneyTrains

· Olympic Park Line: @T7SydneyTrains

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