TTC to roll out Wi-Fi access on 2 subway platforms

TORONTO – The Toronto Transit Commission is moving forward with a plan to provide Wi-Fi access on the public transit system.

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross told 680News Wi-Fi access will be available on two subway station platforms by December.

“Starting in December, we will have two stations — Bloor-Yonge and St. George — will have Wi-Fi,” Ross said.

“In stations, on platforms — not on trains at the moment.”

“Will do a bit of testing around this to make sure it’s meeting all of our needs and all of our customers’ needs, as well as the supplier, which is BAI Canada,” he added.

Ross admits the process does take time, but TTC officials want to get it right. “While it’s wireless, there are wires and there are transmitters that need to be installed physically in all of the stations,” he said.

“We’re installing a new signalling system as well, and it is wireless, so we need to make sure that technically it doesn’t interfere with our systems.”

Ross also said that compared to other cities, Toronto’s timetable is about right.

“New York is just getting it now as well, so it’s not something that Toronto is lagging behind on.

It’s something we’ve always identified,” he said.

There’s no timeline yet on when TTC riders will be able to make phone calls from underground.

A $50-million project for Montreal’s subway system was announced on Wednesday. Upon completion, it will be one of the most advanced wireless networks in the world, with state-of-the-art technology that would allow access for cell phones, laptops and tablets.