TRAIN operator East Coast is to start charging standard class passengers for Wi-Fi on its flagship trains from York to London and Edinburgh.

The nationalised company, based in York, says that from early October, all standard class passengers will be entitled to up to 15 minutes free access to an improved wireless internet system.

After that, they will face a charge of £4.95 for 60 minutes or £9.95 for 24 hours, although First Class passengers can continue accessing the service free of charge.

A company spokesman said it had responded to customer needs and invested £600,000 in the service which would deliver better upload and download speeds and ensure a more reliable internet connection.

He added that the new charge for Standard Class was in line with other providers, although the first 15 minutes was free.

But Guy Dangerfield, manager of the rail watchdog Passenger Focus, said it was 'disappointing' East Coast was abandoning its predecessor National Express's commitment to make Wi-Fi free throughout journeys on the East Coast mainline and for all passengers.

“If passengers are going to be paying for it in future, East Coast will have to work hard to ensure the Wi-Fi system is more reliable than it's historically been.”

York Central MP Hugh Bayley said the new charge was a 'backward step' and asked East Coast to reconsider.

Meanwhile, rival York train company Grand Central Railway said it had no plans to introduce similar charges. “Wi-Fi will remain free for both standard and first class passengers on its North Eastern and West Riding routes,” said a spokesman.