Technology

GO Wi-Fi Plus brings more than free connectivity to GO passengers

Sept. 30, 2020

All buses and more than half of GO’s trains are providing added connectivity to passengers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Mischa Wanek-Libman

GO Transit, a division of Metrolinx, launched its GO Wi-Fi Plus service Sept. 28. All GO buses and approximately half of the GO train fleet are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi.

While the possibility of free connectivity is a nice perk to riding transit, GO notes it’s really the “Plus” portal that will be appreciated by riders. According to Metrolinx, the portal will provide free unlimited access to TV shows, music, audiobooks, e-books, courses and podcasts.

“With hundreds of entertainment options to choose from in addition to Wi-Fi, we are making the onboard experience even more convenient and enjoyable for customers,” said Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster.

The portal features a trip timer feature where suggested content that matches the length of the trip can be found. Riders will be provided up to 10MB of data per trip with registered My PRESTO Account users receiving 50 MG of data per trip.

Last year, Metrolinx selected Icomera Canada to provide a connectivity solution onboard GO Transit’s fleet. Icomera, a subsidiary of ENGIE Solutions, says the centralized connectivity network platform redefines travel in a COVID-19 era. The platform allows passengers to be more productive and stay entertained during their trip, but the platform can also be leveraged to provide additional passenger, operational and safety and security applications.

“Icomera is working with Metrolinx and GO Transit to provide passengers with ever more rewarding and enjoyable journeys. This project provides another great step forward in Icomera’s mission to make public transport a more attractive option for passengers, and our shared goal with ENGIE Solutions to lead the way in the transition to a carbon-neutral world,” said Icomera CEO Magnus Friberg.

Wi-Fi decals will indicate which GO train cars are equipped with the service and the remainder of the fleet is expected to be outfitted with the capability by early 2021.

Metrolinx notes that Wi-Fi is one of the top amenities requested by GO customers and the agency believes GO Wi-FI Plus takes that request to a new level on GO Transit journeys.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.