On-board infotainment provider, GoMedia, has deployed its revolutionary entertainment platform to Virgin Trains, in a first-of-its-kind service for the UK rail industry. The industry-leading app, announced at a launch event at Euston station, marks the second collaboration between the two brands, focused on continuously improving the passenger experience.
Through GoMedia’s fully integrated infotainment system the app – BEAM – delivers world-class entertainment straight to Virgin Trains’ passengers’ own devices – whether mobile or tablet – via Virgin Trains’ on-board Wi-Fi, from a content server hosted on the train. GoMedia worked closely with Virgin Trains East Coast’s Wi-Fi partner Icomera to implement the solution. Fully customised to Virgin Trains’ requirements and preferences, the entertainment package includes blockbuster films from major Hollywood studios, TV, box sets, cartoons, games, and digital magazines.
Earlier this year, GoMedia joined forces with Virgin Trains to improve the waiting and boarding experience for Virgin Trains’ passengers travelling from London Euston. The two companies developed a unique ‘Earlybird Boarding’ system which sends a text message to passengers, containing platform and boarding information, so they can enjoy the station facilities knowing they will be alerted when it’s time to board.
Roger Matthews, managing director, GoMedia, says: “We are delighted to be working with Virgin Trains to provide a ground-breaking entertainment service to their passengers. Our platform makes use of Virgin Trains’ existing on-board Wi-Fi infrastructure, so not only can passengers stream great movies, TV shows and more over the trains’ Wi-Fi network, those passengers wishing to use off train connectivity for lower bandwidth data uses will find it to be far more efficient. With approval of the GoMedia platform from all major content owners, Virgin Trains can offer customers premium video programming from Hollywood studios, BBC Worldwide and more, contributing to an altogether outstanding customer experience.”
Patrick McCall, Co-Chairman for Virgin Trains, said, “The new BEAM app will make our passengers’ journeys fly by, feeling like they’ve arrived at their destinations before they know it. We’ve worked really hard to provide a fantastic range of entertainment to cater to all of our customers’ tastes and are really proud to offer this service that is the first of its kind to the train industry. At Virgin Trains we pride ourselves on continuously improving our customers’ on-board experience and so will continue to update the content on BEAM to guarantee our passengers have the latest entertainment on offer. The new service is more advanced than the systems currently available on planes as customers use their own devices, which normally have larger screens with better picture quality than standard seat-back devices.”
