Sydney bus passengers can now access free Wi-Fi on their ride as a trial of 50 Wi-Fi enabled buses hit the streets
Up to 1000 buses across the city could be fitted with the technology by the end of this year, If the trial is successful.
New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance welcomed the trial on some State Transit Authority buses and says it is exciting to see another example of how public transport can be enhanced with technology.
“So many people rely on being connected to their smartphone, often using the time of their commute to catch up on news, emails and social media – so it is pleasing to see these types of trials underway,” he says.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the customer experience across all public transport services, particularly when it comes to providing reliability and convenience.
“This trial will help us understand how reliable the technology is and how our customers would use it.”
The technology being used in the trial has been developed by APN Outdoor and will help to provide free and easy access to travel information, news, sport, weather and entertainment.
“Customers who ride a bus that is participating in the trial are prompted to download a free and simple app which allows them to quickly and easily web-surf the bus ride away,” Constance says.
“I am looking forward to seeing the results of the trail and the feedback from customers.”
The buses will also be installed with larger digital screens that will continue to broadcast operational messaging and CCTV footage and news.