Free WiFi will be provided on Darwin public buses as part of a trial starting this week
February 12, 2013
Australian folklore recommends travellers adjust their watches back by five years and thirty minutes before going to the Northern Territory.
But with free Wi-Fi now provided on the state’s buses, it may be more apt to adjust the time on your smart phone or tablet forward by a few years.
Transport Minister Adam Giles announced yesterday free Wi-Fi would be provided on Darwin public buses as part of a trial starting this week.
Giles says the first two Wi-Fi connected buses went into service yesterday, with another three to start operating by next week.
“Wi-Fi is being introduced on some Darwin routes to see how popular it is and to also attract workers back onto the public transport system,” Giles says.
Giles says the initiative coincided with Wi-Fi being provided at Darwin, Palmerston and Casuarina bus interchanges from yesterday.
He says the growing use of smart phones and
tablets are an everyday reality for many Territorians.
“This initiative will allow passengers to read the news, catch up on their emails or favourite social media sites when waiting at interchanges or travelling on buses, and keep in contact with family and friends while travelling to and from school or work,” he says.
Giles says Wi-Fi on buses and at interchanges
will build a public bus network compatible with the demand for quick access to information.
“Wi-Fi on public buses will promote the development of Darwin as a technologically smart city,” he says.
Giles says the cost of installing and maintaining Wi-Fi on the five buses is $50,000.
He says public bus fares in the Northern Territory remain comparably lower than other states.
The roll-out of free Wi-Fi will be extended to Alice Springs public buses in March.