The study of potential productivity gains from train-based wifi internet on V/Line services is being conducted by the not-for-profit organisation Ballarat ICT and is supported by V/Line, the Victorian Government, Regional Development Australia and the City of Ballarat.

Researcher Dr Timothy James said the five-minute online survey was one step in building the business case for internet on Victoria’s regional train network.

“It is difficult to find a business model around the world that can provide internet for free on train services.

“But the research that is around says there are different productivity level increases which come as a result of these services, with commuters less likely to work on public transport as they’re not on the clock but business travellers more likely to work during travel,” he said.

The survey asks about recent travel experiences on rail and road, passenger behaviour during travel and motivation.

Dr James said there were potential environmental gains from additional internet access.

He said it would make train travel more attractive and productive, and therefore reducing the number of cars on the road.

Upper House MP for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford took to Twitter to support the introduction of wireless internet on the state’s train network.

“Yes please! Great for students and commuters especially but everyone loves the internet. Could tweet from train more too,” she said.

Victoria’s Public Transport Users Association and the Committee for Ballarat have both expressed support for the introduction of wireless internet services on trains, with the PTUA arguing its introduction shouldn’t detract from increases in other service areas like reliability and punctuality.

Ballarat train and road commuters are invited to complete the survey online at www.wirelesstrain.com.au