Toronto: Ontario government, since yesterday, has started providing free Wi-Fi for passengers on all GO buses and about half of GO trains.
“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, said a government statement.
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 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.
How do I connect to GO Wi-Fi Plus?
It’s easy to connect to the GO Wi-Fi network onboard GO trains and GO buses with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
- Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your mobile device or laptop, choose the “GO Plus Wi-Fi” network and connect
- Using an Android device or laptop? Open your browser and enter gopluswifi.com (iOS devices will redirect automatically).
- Sign in with either your registered My PRESTO Account email and password for 50 MB of free data, or use a different email for 10 MB of free data
- Select “Remember me” to get access for every trip
- Select Terms & Conditions
A separate Wi-Fi network is available at most GO Stations.