Adelaide first: Public transport users get free wi-fi
ADELAIDE’s public transportation system has set its course on transporting passengers to the virtual realm. So what, you ask? Here’s the good news.
FREE wi-fi will be available across the Adelaide Metro public transport network — including trains, buses, trams, and some railway stations and interchanges — from December.
The State Government is calling for expressions of interest to operate the free wi-fi network, extending the service from that already available on the city’s fleet of 20 trams.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Stephen Mullighan said the service would be a popular addition for passengers who wished to work while commuting and those who wanted to stay informed or entertained on their journey.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the public transport experience and encourage more people to catch our buses, trains and trams,’’ he said.
“What we’re seeking is high-quality and reliable internet access which is simple and easy to use.
“This initiative will make it more enjoyable to use public transport for the almost 70 million passengers who use Adelaide Metro services each year with approximately 80 per cent of those passengers travelling on buses.
“Rather than spending their commute behind the wheel of the car, public transport passengers can use the time to catch up on their favourite TV show, surf social media, read an online magazine or newspaper or catch up on emails without chewing through their data package.”
The State Government commitment follows a successful 2012 trial of bus-based wi-fi .
Companies interested in tendering for the project would have to set up a network that would operate across almost 900 buses, more than 130 train carriages, as well as the trams already involved in the service.
The deadline for expressions of interest is August 10 and private sponsorships of the service are expected to keep down costs.
The tender documents requires potential contractors to detail the standard of the services they could provide, how they would be installed and maintained, as well as any potential cost to the Government.
Mr Mullighan said the successful tenderer would also have to satisfy a Government requirement that they protect the data and content of commuters.
“This initiative is in addition to other improvements including making it easier to use public transport with $22m in this year’s State Budget to put on more services more often,’’ he said.
“We’re also investing hundreds of millions of dollars to expand and improve the network including through the Gawler Electrification, Flinderslink extension, Port Adelaide rail spur, the Torrens Rail Junction project and O-Bahn tunnel and expanding Park ‘N’ Ride facilities.”