
Publicly owned operators commit to keeping passengers safe online
LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express and Southeastern all provide ‘Friendly Wi-Fi’ networks
Network Rail are also signed up to the shared safety standard that blocks access to inappropriate content
The Friendly Wi-Fi stamp provides passengers, families and parents with confidence that only safe internet can be accessed while on-board and at stations.
The commitment from the four longest serving publicly owned operators now means that a significant portion of the UK’s rail network is providing safe connectivity onboard over 4,500 services a day.
Friendly Wi-Fi certified networks filter and block access to inappropriate content given children could be present on-board or at stations, helping to create a more secure and family-friendly internet browsing experience for passengers.
Friendly Wi-Fi also certifies Transport for Wales, all Network Rail managed stations, as well as the Transport for London Underground, reassuring passengers of safe connectivity across a significant section of the UK’s rail network.
Data from the latest Internet Matters Pulse survey, shows that 77 per cent of UK children aged 9 to 17 have experienced harm online. This is an 8 per cent increase on last year.
Bev Smith, Director at Friendly Wi-Fi said: “Seeing publicly owned train operators embrace the commitment to safer WiFi demonstrates a clear responsibility to passenger safety and helps protect children who may be travelling daily on these services. With more than 77% of young people reporting they have encountered harm online, it has never been more important that WiFi in public spaces is properly filtered and monitored. Displaying the Friendly WiFi ‘Approved’ symbol is a clear message of the commitment by the rail operator to protect passengers online.”
“We are pleased to see this growing momentum in the rail sector, and we believe it sets a strong example for other industries and public services to follow."
Northern has strengthened its commitment to Friendly Wi-Fi by sharing the categories of websites or apps that are blocked on their trains, which includes sites related to: gambling, alcohol, adult content, pornography, nudity and dating apps.
Paul Bennett, Northern’s Safety and Environment Director, said: “We provide free WiFi on board our trains for customers so they can stay connected while they’re on the move.”
“Some websites and apps, including dating apps, are blocked as they contain content which may be indecent or inappropriate.”
“That’s because we are committed to meeting safety standards, set out under the Friendly Wi-Fi scheme, ensuring the on-board internet is appropriate for everyone on board.”
South Western Railway, who entered public ownership in May this year, use a certified provider of Friendly Wi-Fi to supply their on-board internet. SWR Wi-Fi customers must also accept terms and conditions to use their Wi-Fi, which includes a block on inappropriate or offensive sites.
Notes to editors
Data comes from Internet Matters latest Pulse Survey, May 2025.