Get set for more free Wi-Fi on the go
PUBLISHED ONOctober 10, 2014 6:00 PMByTham Yuen-C
Commuters could soon find it easier to connect to free Wi-Fi while travelling, as the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is looking into providing Wi-Fi access at more MRT stations, at bus interchanges, and on buses too.
Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim announced this in Parliament yesterday, as he disclosed measures to improve the public transport system.
Separately, Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo told the House that a central bus management system is being developed to give up-to-date information to commuters.
Satisfaction with public transport has declined in the past few years, due to delays and overcrowding. The Government has taken measures to improve the travel experience.
Providing Wi-Fi at MRT stations reflects its commitment to this end, said Mr Faishal.
Since the WiFi@MRT trial began in August at City Hall, Orchard and Raffles Place stations, daily usage has grown from 100,000 commuters to more than 145,000. All MRT stations will have the service if the trial proves successful. The LTA is also looking into providing Wi-Fi on buses and at bus interchanges, said Mr Faishal.
Mrs Teo said the central bus management system being developed by LTA will relay real- time information between buses and bus stops. It will allow transport operators to give useful information to commuters on the go. This can also be delivered via smartphone apps.
Ms Teo said the system will be implemented progressively from the end of next year and be completed by 2017.
She gave the details in her reply to Non-Constituency MP Gerald Giam, who asked if the LTA would consider using technology on buses and at bus stops to announce bus arrivals for visually impaired people.
While broadcasts on buses and apps are possible, providing the same information at bus stops will have to be considered "more carefully" as some stops are near homes, she said.
This article was first published on Oct 9, 2014.
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