The GWR superfast Wi-Fi trial, a partnership between Motion Applied, Peninsula Transport, Great Western Railway, Network Rail and Hitachi Rail has won both the Innovation Award and the Partnership Award at the Railway Industry Association’s RISE Awards 2026.
On the evening of 25 June, the UK rail supply chain gathered at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane for the Railway Industry Association (RIA) Dinner and RISE Awards. The project was shortlisted in three categories and won two. The trial came out on top across a strong field of finalists, with other shortlisted companies across the evening including Alstom, Angel Trains, Knorr-Bremse and Siemens Mobility. The GWR Superfast Wi-Fi Trial was named the standout in innovation and in partnership.
Formula 1 technology, adapted for rail
The pilot tackled the problems that have held UK rail connectivity back for years: rural dead zones, slow and unreliable speeds, and infrastructure complexity. Working with Great Western Railway, Motion Applied fitted a nine-car Intercity Express Train with a hybrid system that aggregates ground based 5G and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks, paired with patented Formula 1 grade technology. The result is uninterrupted, high-speed internet across the GWR network, holding firm in remote areas where signal usually drops.
The approach is drawn straight from racing. In Formula 1, data links have to stay live as cars travel at more than 200mph, Motion Applied have adapted the same patented network aggregation approach to apply into the railway sector. The trial reached peak speeds of over 1Gbps and drove a more than 90% improvement in passenger satisfaction, setting a new benchmark for digital connectivity in rail. For the first time, business travellers could run Teams and Zoom calls, transfer files and use VPNs reliably on the move, while leisure passengers streamed in HD, gamed and used social media without interruption.
A partnership recognised
The two awards reflect both sides of the project: a genuine industry first and innovative application of technology, delivered through close collaboration and cross industry partnerships. The trial brought together a powerhouse of industry experts, each with a defined role: Great Western Railway as the train operator, Network Rail as the infrastructure owner, Hitachi Rail as the OEM, Motion Applied as the technology provider, and Peninsula Transport as project sponsor and the voice of the South West region. Built on dedicated planning, close collaboration and trusted relationships, it delivered the UK’s first next-generation train connectivity pilot of its kind and a proven framework for future cross-sector innovation. The project also aligns with the Department for Transport’s commitment to bring LEO satellite connectivity to mainline trains by 2030 by combining a network of both cellular and satellite connectivity.
Built on motorsport heritage
Motion Applied, formerly McLaren Applied, brings more than 35 years of Formula 1 and top-tier motorsport engineering to real-world transport challenges. As a UK based company Motion Applied is passionate about bringing world class engineering expertise and enabling highly skilled technology roles into the rail industry, helping to drive innovation and support the future of UK transport The GWR trial shows what that motorsport heritage can deliver beyond the grid: technology proven at racing speeds, now improving the everyday journey for rail passengers.
Abi Wetton, Head of EMEA
This project shows what’s possible when innovation and cross industry collaboration come together. By adapting proven Formula 1 connectivity technology for rail, we’ve delivered a step-change in passenger experience and demonstrated a solution to longstanding connectivity challenges. These awards are a testament to the expertise, efforts and teamwork of all the partners involved, and we look forward to building on this success. Congratulations to the whole team.