TransLink & Shaw to make Wi-Fi free on entire transit system
December 12 2018 - 4:36PM
TransLink and Shaw Communications Inc. are teaming up to deliver
free Wi-Fi for transit customers across Metro Vancouver.
“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,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond.
“We’re proud to be the first transit authority in Canada to offer
this free Wi-Fi service and we’re doing it at no cost to our
customers or taxpayers.”
Starting in 2020, TransLink riders – whether or not they are
Shaw customers – will be able to stay connected for free throughout
their commute on bus, SkyTrain or SeaBus.
The agreement between TransLink and Shaw will see these
enhancements come at no cost to TransLink or its customers. Under
the agreement, Shaw will install and operate the Wi-Fi system.
Since 2016, there has been free Wi-Fi at SeaBus terminals and on
SeaBus ferries through a similar agreement with Shaw.
“Every day, thousands of people use their transit commute to
catch up on life and reach out to friends, family and colleagues —
and having access to seamless connectivity is what makes this
possible,” said Katherine Emberly, President, Business, Brand and
Communications, Shaw Communications. “Whether it’s through text,
email or social media, these connections are at the heart of our
business, and the Wi-Fi system will enable us to keep more riders
in Metro Vancouver connected as they travel across the system.”
TransLink and Shaw will refine the system design and plan to run
trials in 2019, with deployment starting in 2020. TransLink expects
the entire network to be completed by 2025. Wi-Fi rollout will
begin with SkyTrain and buses.
TransLink intends to eventually provide Wi-Fi on all modes,
including HandyDART, West Coast Express and community shuttle
buses.
Quote:
Ty Speer, Tourism Vancouver President and CEO –
“TransLink and Shaw’s commitment to expand Wi-Fi across the
transit system will enhance the personalized visitor experience for
many travellers to our region who use public transportation,” said
Ty Speer, CEO and President of Tourism Vancouver. “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.”
Learn More:
TransLink Mobile Services
Media contact: TransLink Media Relations C:
(778) 375-7788 E: media@translink.ca
Shaw Communications Inc. Chethan Lakshman, VP, External
AffairsC: (403) 930-8448 E: chethan.lakshman@sjrb.ca
About ShawShaw Communications Inc. is a leading
Canadian connectivity company. The Wireline division consists of
Consumer and Business services. Consumer serves residential
customers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital
phone. Business provides business customers with Internet, data,
WiFi, digital phone and video services. The Wireless division
provides wireless voice and LTE-Advanced data services through an
expanding and improving mobile wireless network
infrastructure.
Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and
is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B,
SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE – SJR, and TSXV – SJR.A). For more
information, please visit www.shaw.ca.
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