GO Wi-Fi Plus brings more than free connectivity to GO passengers
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.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. 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 served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
