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If you ride the Yonge subway line through central Toronto, you have most likely seen half of your subway train’s passengers simultaneously scramble for their cellphones when traversing the short stretch of outdoor track between Summerhill and Bloor-Yonge stations. It may seem like a puzzling coincidence to tourists from New York, Hong Kong, or other cities with WiFi-enabled underground rapid transit, but in reality it is more than just a mass Pavlovian response to the blast of sunlight experienced upon exiting a subway tunnel. The rushed texts, emails and social media posts often sent from trains passing stations like Rosedale and Davisville as well as above grade portals like the Prince Edward Viaduct may soon be a thing of the past, as earlier today the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and BAI Canada officially launched free WiFi and cellular-enabled access points at two of the transit network’s busiest stations; Bloor-Yonge and St. George.
The WiFi service, dubbed TCONNECT, provides subway riders with the ability to access social media, email, and browse the internet from the platforms of the stations. These two initial locations were selected because they see the highest passenger volume out of all of the stations on Toronto’s rapid transit network. Today’s announcement, made by TTC Chair Karen Stintz and CEO of BAI Canada Brian Jacks, marks the first of many wireless installations planned throughout the TTC. When complete, each station will host the TCONNET WiFi service and be cellular-capable, at which point the network will be ready to sign on cellular providers – the last step necessary before phone service on the subway can become possible.
BAI Canada and the TTC plan on delivering WiFi and cellular infrastructure to all of Toronto’s 65 current and planned underground stations, with coverage for all public areas including platforms, mezzanines, walkways and stairwells. In exchange for the rights to install and operate the network, BAI Canada is paying the TTC $25 million over 20 years. Phase two of the project will include the expansion of the cellular network beyond the stations themselves, and into the TTC tunnels. Both phases are slated for completion in three to four years.
