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| Photo: MyCiti.org |
JOHANNESBURG – Open access Wi-Fi network provider, VAST Networks, on Monday announced it has partnered with the City of Cape Town to provide free Wi-Fi for passengers travelling on MyCiTi buses.
Each passenger will get up to 50MB of free Wi-Fi data while they are travelling on MyCiTi buses.
According to VAST Networks, the first stage of the project would involve 10 buses across various routes.
Chief executive of VAST Networks Grant Marais, in a statement, said the partnership with MyCiTi would deliver a fast and seamless Wi-Fi infrastructure to commuters, both local and international.
Marais said delivering free Wi-Fi connectivity in buses will enable commuters to be productive while travelling. They will be able to send e-mails, read the news, communicate and engage in work and online social activities.
The Mayor Of Cape Town @PatriciaDeLille launches VAST free WiFi on myCiti buses pic.twitter.com/XPn7y94Pqq— VAST Networks (@VastWiFi) June 13, 2016
“Wi-Fi connectivity is increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives; providing a reliable and safe way to connect to the web will go a long way in enhancing commuters’ travel time and is the next step in making Cape Town a truly smart city,” Marais said.
Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille said the development was “an exciting time” for the City of Cape Town as it takes another innovative step towards becoming the Digital Capital of Africa
“Internet access is also a key part of our strategies to build an opportunity city where we connect residents to resources and economic opportunities,” De Lille said.
The Wi-Fi initiative forms part of the city’s efforts to improve the attractiveness of the public transport system and encourage residents to minimise the use of their cars.
In 2014, the City of Johannesburg rolled out free Wi-Fi access to its bus rapid transit system, Rea Vaya, bus stations which was last year followed by the City of Tshwane doing the same to its A Re Yeng buses.
