RAIL commuters on two of the Bradford district's lines can now access free wi-fi internet in a joint initiative involving two local authorities and a Government internet access scheme.

Train operator Northern Rail officially launched the service on the Wharfedale and Airedale lines yesterday by taking tablet computers aboard a service between Leeds and Bradford, and giving demonstrations to passengers.

Staff were joined by representatives of the partner organisations involved in the initiative, which has been made possible with a £750,000 investment from Broadband UK, an arm of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

This is the first wi-fi installation of its kind for Northern, and free wi-fi will be available on Northern’s electric trains, which operate between Leeds, Keighley, Skipton, Ilkley and Bradford Forster Square.

The service is not currently available on the Harrogate line, which serves Horsforth, and is not available on Northern’s diesel-powered trains.

As well as being able to access the internet, passengers initially sign in to an internet platform designed for Northern Rail.

This offers access to television, film, sport, music and shopping content, as well as links to selected partners, and plus information.

The project is a joint initiative between Northern Rail, Leeds City Council, Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Communications equipment was fitted to Northern’s Class 333 trains, and the service was tested earlier this month, to make sure access was available throughout the train, before the service was officially unveiled.