TransLink contracts Shaw to develop systemwide Wi-Fi service

TransLink has teamed up with Shaw Communications Inc. to provide free Wi-Fi for riders across metro Vancouver, British Columbia.

Under an agreement, Shaw will install and operate the Wi-Fi system. Since 2016, free Wi-Fi has been available only at SeaBus terminals and on SeaBus ferries through a similar pact.
 
Starting in 2020, TransLink riders — whether or not they are Shaw customers — will be able to gain free wireless connections on the SkyTrain, SeaBus and bus systems, agency officials said in a press release. TransLink plans to eventually provide Wi-Fi in its entire network by 2025.

"We have half-a-million people ride our system every day, and when we ask them what they'd like to see on transit, Wi-Fi is one of the most frequent requests," said TransLink Chief Executive Officer Kevin Desmond. "We're proud to be the first transit authority in Canada to offer this free Wi-Fi service and we’re doing it at no cost to our customers or taxpayers."

TransLink and Shaw will refine the system design and perform trials in 2019, then begin deployment in 2020. Wi-Fi rollout will begin with the SkyTrain and bus systems.