Exclusive: Wi-Fi ACTION being examined

[Buzz Killington]

Following news last week that Deane's Transit Group had begun trialling the provision of wireless internet (wifi) on its buses, ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Katy Gallagher has confirmed to ACT Bus that work is underway on examining a similar offering on ACTION Buses.

With the Deane's service set to roll out across its entire bus fleet, ACT Bus contacted the Chief Minister to ask if a trial or adoption of the technology was on the horizon and were told that one of the Chief Minister's first requests as TAMS Minister was to ask that the costs of Wi-fi on ACTION Buses be examined, with work on the matter now underway.

With many Canberrans still choosing the car over the bus, the provision of free wireless internet would surely attract additional patronage to our public transport system. Whilst some choose to read or listen to music, such a trial could potentially allow them to read their emails, download a new e-Book or stream radio on their way from Civic to Belco.

ACT Bus also contacted ACT Shadow Transport Services Minister Alistair Coe to enquire as to whether Wi-fi on ACTION Buses was something his party would adopt should it win the next ACT Election, but a response had not been received at the time of writing.