TTC expands free onboard public Wi-Fi rollout to 102 Markham Rd route

Starting today, TTC customers travelling on the 102 Markham Rd bus route have access to free onboard public Wi-Fi. The program rollout began with the 35 Jane route on May 31.

Since the launch of Wi-Fi services on the 35 Jane bus route just two weeks ago, TTC staff have seen its popularity grow steadily. In the first week, passengers on the route spent over 2,100 hours on the internet during their commutes and changes have already been made to the program based on customer feedback.

"I'm proud to see the free onboard public Wi-Fi rollout expand to the 102 Markham Rd bus in Scarborough. Just last month, we launched the Wi-Fi pilot on the 35 Jane bus and we are already seeing its popularity growing with riders," said Mayor John Tory. "I want to thank the TTC for working to get this project underway and I look forward to seeing the popularity of this service grow on this route as well. All of the results from this pilot will help as the TTC prepares to have a Wi-Fi Network on buses and streetcars across the city."

"Providing Wi-Fi on our buses is one of many initiatives underway at the TTC to modernize our system and provide a better experience for transit riders," said TTC Chair Jaye Robinson. "I am looking forward to seeing more routes equipped with Wi-Fi moving forward."

"This is an initiative I've really championed since it went to the TTC Board and I am so pleased to see it come to Scarborough," said Councillor Jennifer McKelvie. "Wi-Fi on buses means more customers, especially youth, can stay connected while getting to and from where they need to go safely on the TTC."

The initiative is part of a larger City of Toronto program aimed at prioritizing and providing Wi-Fi access to Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs) in the city. The 35 Jane and 102 Markham Rd bus routes were chosen due to their popularity and location in key NIAs.

"The success of this program in just the last two weeks only emphasizes how much our customers want to see modernization on the system," said TTC CEO Rick Leary. "We know that especially now, connectivity is essential, even on-the-go, and we're both proud and excited to be improving our customers' commutes one route at a time."

Both routes are part of the first phase of a six-month pilot project that will allow the TTC to evaluate a variety of Wi-Fi service models and gather customer feedback. The learnings from the pilot will help inform the Request for Proposal for a Fully-Managed Customer Wi-Fi Network on Buses and Streetcars, to be issued later this year.

Customers are reminded to look for decals on Wi-Fi-enabled buses to inform them that onboard access is available.

Customers may also notice Wi-Fi enabled buses on other routes during the pilot and are encouraged to connect whenever onboard Wi-Fi is available.

The TTC continues to solicit customer feedback about this project. Customers can connect with the Customer Service team by phone, on Twitter, or by completing this form https://www.ttc.ca/feedback/otherSuggestion.action on the TTC's website.