The provision of continuous broadband connectivity throughout the entire Thalys network, whether in Belgium, France, Germany or the Netherlands is now a commercial reality. Already 25% of Thalys trains have been equipped to be fit for this purpose and by autumn 2008 the whole fleet will be so. Thalys's implementation of innovative WiFi technology is in response to both the high expectations of business customers, for whom train time can now serve as an extension of office time, and the provision of an enhanced travel experience for leisure passengers.
The commercial launch of the WiFi internet service is right on track with the New Thalys passenger orientated innovation strategy, following the launch of Thalyseo, Thalys's social networking platform set up in partnership with Viadeo and the recent extension of Ticketless travel (travelling without a printed ticket) for Navigo subscribers. Upcoming months will witness the next phase of the New Thalys campaign slipping neatly into place with the introduction of new staff uniforms, a total revamp of train interior design and, as the cherry on the cake, high speed journeys such as Paris to Amsterdam and Cologne clocking in under 3 hours and 15 minutes and 1 hour and 45 minutes fromBrussels by 2009.
