The city of Visalia’s Transit Division now offers free onboard Wi-Fi on all fixed-route buses, allowing passengers to stay connected while commuting. The state-of-the-art cloud-based 4G network has been installed on all fixed-route buses and there are plans to expand service to the Dial-A-Ride service by the end of the year. Now riders can be more productive on their commute ─ using travel time to check email, download documents, catch up on the news, check in on social media sites or watch videos in real-time.
As society becomes more reliant on mobile devices, providing passengers with wireless access has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Visalia Transit is thrilled to be able to offer this cutting edge mobile technology that until now has only been available in larger cities. With the community expanding and commute times increasing, Visalia Transit remains committed to applying new technologies to provide commuters with a cost-effective, convenient and comfortable way to travel.
Visalia Transit Manager Monty Cox stated, “Visalia Transit is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to improve the passenger experience. The use of public transportation can play a key role in addressing a number of the community’s economic, energy and environmental challenges. Offering fast, reliable Wi-Fi allows passengers to be more productive on their commute and helps to make public transportation a more viable means of travel. It’s just another example of our commitment to providing an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to driving.”
As gas prices continue to rise and air quality declines, finding alternate means of travel has become increasingly important. Research shows that Americans are driving less, a trend led by younger generations who for a number of reasons are driving less. Increased fuel prices, changes in driving laws, and environmental impact are all factors in the conscious decision to replace driving with alternative means of transportation. The addition of mobile Wi-Fi not only enhances the rider experience, but also serves as a long-term strategy to draw in younger riders who prefer mass transit as a means of transportation.
