Ontario Launching Free Wi-Fi on GO Transit

TORONTO — Beginning today, the Ontario government is providing free Wi-Fi for passengers on all GO buses and approximately 50 per cent of GO trains. This is part of the government’s commitment to improve public transit across the province.

“More than 80 per cent of GO customers named Wi-Fi as their most desired amenity, and our government is committed to make life easier for the people of Ontario by keeping commuters connected throughout their journey,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “This initiative will make an important difference as it will help people work more efficiently, finish school projects or get important news and updates from family and friends.”

GO Transit riders will have access to GO Wi-Fi Plus, a user-friendly portal that offers free Wi-Fi as well as a variety of entertainment content. Once connected, riders get free data and will have unlimited access to the GO Wi-Fi Plus content portal where they can enjoy TV shows, audiobooks, e-books, music, podcasts and more.

Metrolinx has signed an agreement with Icomera Canada Inc. to connect all 1,399 GO buses and trains to Wi-Fi. Full rollout of GO Wi-Fi Plus on GO trains is expected to be completed in early 2021. Commuters will be notified of these changes through onboard announcements, decals and notices.

Customers will have free access to 10MB of data per trip, a four-hour period. Riders signing in with registered PRESTO accounts will receive even more data, at 50 MB per trip. Customer access to the GO Wi-Fi Plus content portal does not count towards the data limit.

“With hundreds of entertainment options to choose from, GO Wi-Fi Plus is more than just Wi-Fi, and will make the onboard experience even more convenient and enjoyable for customers,” said Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster. “We are so excited to bring GO Wi-Fi Plus to our customers on our buses and trains.”

Quick Facts

• Metrolinx has partnered with Icomera, a global leader in providing wireless Internet connectivity for public transit, for the necessary infrastructure and equipment to provide Wi-Fi on the GO Transit fleet, which includes 420 buses and 979 trains.
• Wi-Fi on the GO Transit fleet has been a long-desired amenity as indicated by GO customers. More than 80 per cent polled cited Wi-Fi among the top three desired amenities; and of those, 57 per cent chose Wi-Fi as their #1 desired amenity.
• In addition to offering Wi-Fi, GO Wi-Fi Plus features a curated, quality content portal with a wide range of categories including: TV, Music, Courses, Audiobooks, e-books, and podcasts.
• GO Wi-Fi Plus will include Wi-Fi access and free entertainment content through a modern, user-friendly portal.

SOURCE: Province of Ontario