Classical travels first on InterCity radio

CLASSICAL music lovers will have to travel first-class if they want to benefit from a scheme offering radio to InterCity passengers, writes Christian Wolmar.

From 17 May, passengers on two refurbished carriages on the London to Sheffield route will be able to plug headphones into an overhead jack The system will take personal headphones or those sold by BR.

First-class passengers will be able to choose between Radio 4, Classic FM and 'light and classical CDs', while those in second class - now called Standard - will be able to receive Radio 1, Radio 4 and 'light and pop CDs'.

Radio listening is part of a range of services being test- marketed on the two carriages for six months. Installing it on all 1,300 InterCity coaches would cost pounds 57m.