TransLink users will be able to sign onto free Wi-Fi while riding the bus, SkyTrain or SeaBus starting in 2020.
The public transit provider announced plans to partner with Shaw Communications on the service, making it the first transit authority in Canada to do so.
“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,” Kevin Desmond, TransLink CEO, said in a press release.
The rollout of free Wi-Fi will begin with SkyTrain and buses, and eventually it will be implemented on the West Coast Express, community shuttle buses, and HandyDart.
LIVE: Announcing WIFI on transit 📶 Powered by @shawinfo https://t.co/jk4QPyJMKS
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) December 12, 2018
A multi-year timeline is required for the rollout as TransLink and Shaw still need to figure out and test the specific equipment requirements for various models of vehicles — over 2,000 buses and hundreds of train cars — to ensure a quality Wi-Fi service is provided. For instance, the long articulated buses used by the busy 99 B-Line will likely require more Wi-Fi infrastructure.
In a press release, Ty Speer, Tourism Vancouver president and CEO, said that the Wi-Fi expansion on transit systems will enhance the experience for tourists, and in turn, will be a tool to manage tourism in Metro Vancouver.
“Translink and Shaw’s commitment to expand Wi-Fi across the transit system will enhance the personalized visitor experience for many travelers to our region who use public transit,” Speer said.
“As we look to develop Vancouver into the most digitally connected city for visitors, the insights we’ll gain from the Wi-Fi network will be an important tool to help us effectively manage tourism in our destination.”