The days of racking up data charges on your phone by streaming music, video chatting or watching YouTube videos while on transit will soon be gone, as TransLink has announced it will launch free Wi-Fi for transit users across Metro Vancouver.
In a partnership with it Shaw Communications Inc., TransLink riders will be able to stay connected to Wi-Fi while on the bus, SkyTrain or SeaBus starting in 2020.
“We have half-a-million people ride our system every day, and when we ask them what they’d like to see on transit, Wi-Fi is one of the most frequent requests,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond in a press release.
“We’re proud to be the first transit authority in Canada to offer this free Wi-Fi service and we’re doing it at no cost to our customers or taxpayers.”
TransLink and Shaw promise the new service will not cost customers and Shaw will install and operate the Wi-Fi network. Transit riders do not need to be Shaw customers to use the Wi-Fi network.
“Every day, thousands of people use their transit commute to catch up on life and reach out to friends, family and colleagues — and having access to seamless connectivity is what makes this possible,” said Katherine Emberly, president, business, brand and communications for Shaw Communications.
“Whether it’s through text, email or social media, these connections are at the heart of our business, and the Wi-Fi system will enable us to keep more riders in Metro Vancouver connected as they travel across the system.”
The system will be designed next year and trials will run in 2019 as well. Wi-Fi networks will become available in 2020, starting on SkyTrain and buses. By 2025, the entire TransLink network will be included.
