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Greens want Wi-Fi on buses

ACT Greens promise to trial free Wi-Fi on buses

July 26, 2012

The ACT Greens have promised to trial free Wi-Fi on ACTION buses if elected.

ACT Greens parliamentary leader Meredith Hunter says the promise is part of the Greens’ vision for a more connected Canberra with better transport options.

“Wi-Fi is one way that people stay connected on the bus and across the city, but it’s also about making Canberra a modern vibrant place that attracts people to commercial districts,” Hunter says.

“Wi-Fi is a great technology and something Canberrans are inherently proud of due to its development at the CSIRO. This initiative will also complement the roll out of the National Broadband Network.”

If elected the ACT Greens say they will commit $100,000 to a one year trial to enable free Wi-Fi on a selection of ACTION buses, make Canberra’s bus interchanges into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and create free Wi-Fi hubs in Civic, with the potential to expand to other town centres.

“The Wi-Fi trial is about building a Canberra that has a modern, convenient public transport system and vibrant, well connected town centres,” Hunter says.

“For example, the Wi-Fi enabled buses would allow commuters catching a peak hour bus from Calwell to Civic or from Charnwood to Civic about 45 minutes every morning to use Wi-Fi to read, work, write emails, or access social media.

“While some people have 3G plans, many do not have 3G, or cannot afford a large plan. Free Wi-Fi will assist more people to get connected and commuters to save money on mobile plans.

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