South Australia is calling for expressions of interest to operate a free Wi-Fi network on Adelaide’s public transport network.
State transport and infrastructure minister Stephen Mullighan on Wednesday invited interested parties to visit the Tenders SA website by August 10.
The contract will see Wi-Fi provided across almost 900 buses, more than 130 train cars, and more than 20 trams, as well as on selected railway stations and interchanges.
“We are always looking for ways to improve the public transport experience and encourage more people to catch our buses, trains and trams,” the minister said. “What we’re seeking is high quality and reliable internet access which is simple and easy to use.”
Mullighan said almost 70 million passengers use Adelaide Metro services each year, 80% of whom are on buses.
“Rather than spending their commute behind the wheel of the car, public transport passengers can use the time to catch up on their favourite TV show, surf social media, read an online magazine or newspaper or catch up on emails without chewing through their data package,” he continued.
“This initiative is in addition to other improvements including making it easier to use public transport with $22m in this year’s State Budget to put on more services more often.
“We’re also investing hundreds of millions of dollars to expand and improve the network including through the Gawler Electrification, Flinderslink extension, Port Adelaide rail spur, the Torrens Rail Junction project and O-Bahn tunnel and expanding Park ‘N’ Ride facilities.”