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Niagara Falls
Thursday, March 28, 2024
GO Transit getting WiFi

When the GO train comes around the mountain, she'll be having free Wi-Fi.

The province announced Wenesday it will be starting to introduce WiFi on all GO trains and buses this spring, and launching an improved GO Transit website with an enhanced trip planner to make using the services more convenient for commuters.

Metrolinx will first test the WiFi services on two GO trains and four GO buses to examine signal quality and collect feedback from transit users before rolling it out on all GO vehicles.

Signs will be used to identify which buses and trains offer Wi-Fi service and is already available at the majority of GO stations and bus terminals across the system.

“Free WiFi is a given as part of the customer experience,” said Phil Verster, president and chief executive officer at Metrolinx

“We have it in our stations, and this trial will lead us to bringing Wi-Fi to our buses and trains. This will move us toward our goal of making transit an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable experience for everyone.”The WiFi announcement comes as part of Ontario’s $21.3 billion investment to transform GO Transit from a commuter transit service to a regional rapid transit system.

The province expects the number of weekly trips across the entire GO rail network will grow from about 1,500 when it opened in 2015 to nearly 6,000 by 2025.

The new GO Transit website will launch in March and on top on the enhanced trip planner will include an updated fare calculator, and better service and station information.

Making public transit more convenient is a part of Ontario's plan to create fairness and opportunity during this period of rapid economic change, which includes a higher minimum wage, better working conditions, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, easier access to affordable child care, and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25.

Ontario said increasing public transit ridership also plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and managing congestion on Ontario roads.

“We are committed to making the entire GO experience even better for people. These enhancements are an example of how we are modernizing GO Transit and enhancing services for people across Ontario,” said Kathryn McGarry, Ontario’s minister of transportation.

The GO train is expected to be expanded to Grimsby by 2021 and Niagara Falls by 2023.

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