Have you spotted the TELUS Wi-Fi bus?
Have you spotted the TELUS Wi-Fi bus?
If you’re a regular rider on the 99, 351, or 555, you might have spotted our buses wrapped in TELUS branding offering free Wi-Fi!
TELUS has an arrangement with Lamar Advertising, who manages advertising on Coast Mountain buses, to pilot this service to our customers for a limited time. The service is available for all mobile digital devices that are enabled for Wi-Fi.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy free Wi-Fi while you ride! You can tweet @TELUSsupport if you are having issues.
The specific buses are 8125, 9258, and 9266.
Does this mean Wi-Fi is coming to all buses?
TransLink is committed to providing the best possible service to our customers across Metro Vancouver, while running an efficient transportation system with the resources available. At this time we do not have the resources to provide free Wi-Fi across the system. =(
That doesn’t mean it isn’t a possibility in the future. We are always looking for ways to improve the customer experience which includes looking at future advertising arrangements and possibly long-term partnerships to provide better mobile connectivity throughout the entire transit system in Metro Vancouver. =)
Author: Allen Tung
Is this going to be just a limited time thing, or is Wi-Fi on these buses going to be an on-going thing I can rely on in the future?
Hi Casey. TELUS is scheduled to offer Wi-Fi on these three buses for a limited time as part of a six month pilot. After six months, TELUS will reassess.
There are more routes that they run on… What about 601, 44, 145, and 135?
It’s a good choice putting the ads on the buses that run on regional and express routes. People are more aware about their stop and the network will not be lagged by overcrowding.
Hi Juan. These three Wi-Fi buses will primarily operate on the 99, 351, and the 555, so it’s unlikely you’ll see them on the 601, 44, 145, or the 135.
Hi, I took the 555 wifi bus this morning. I was starting to connect as I got on the bus, but once it started moving, my phone couldn’t even find the source again.
Was it just me or did others experience this on the 555 also? It sort of defeats the purpose when the wifi doesn’t work when the bus is moving.
Hi David. If you’re having issues with the Wi-Fi, you can tweet @TELUSsupport for help. =)
Does someone know the bus number of the 99 being tested? I’d be inclined to wait a few extra minutes if I spotted it coming soon on the NextBus live map.
I spot a Telus Wi-Fi bus on Production Way Station serving 145 last Sunday. Not sure if that’s the one since Translink did shared buses between UBC and SFU as there are bus ads targeting UBC students on 135/145 buses (which majorly serving SFU students).
This is a wonderful idea and it will make public transit a valuable approach to travel.
Hi A.Rider, it is bus number 8125.
i love how it is on the only bus where people are packed so tight that you cant even get out a laptop or tablet to even use it, let alone have a free hand to use your phone. excellent thinking telus/translink!