Qld to build Wi-Fi into trains

The Queensland Government has outlined plans to offer a Wi-Fi service on the state's trains as part of a roll-out of real-time security monitoring technology.

The state has conducted a trial of the technology on the Gold Coast line network and plans to go to tender in July for a system to blanket the Citytrain network, including stations, according to a statement issued by Transport Minister Rachel Nolan over the weekend.

"People travelling to work with their laptops will be able to rely on a strong signal which means they can read the paper online, receive and send emails or simply surf their favourite sites," she said.

The security initiative will see the government provide live links from security cameras on trains to a central control room that will allow police and rail personnel to respond to incidents.

"Currently, there are more than 6000 security cameras covering trains, stations and car parks on the Citytrain network," said Nolan. "The cameras on trains are capable of recording illegal activities, giving police the evidence they need to catch and prosecute offenders, but they are not able to be monitored live.

"Now police and security guards will be able to monitor travellers on trains, and any incidents, in real time over a wireless network."

The South Australian State Government is planning a similar roll-out on its bus network.