Plan B Forum

Status-conscious Canberra will have an opportunity to catch up with Queanbeyan in at least one respect under a plan by the Greens to trial free internet services on buses.

In their first election commitment for the October ACT poll, the Greens have committed to $100,000 trial of free Wi-Fi internet on a selection of buses.

Bus interchanges would also become free Wi-Fi “hotspots,’’ except for the Belconnen interchange which already has free internet supplied by the Westfield shopping mall.

Greens leader Meredith Hunter said Wi-Fi hubs would be created in Civic and could be expanded to other town centres.
Ms Hunter said it was hoped the initiative would encourage more people to use public transport.

“We’re a tech savvy city and we think that this is a great way to encourage more people to get onto buses and also to also to enhance the experience for people who already use our buses,’’ she said.

“You can check your emails before you get to work or you can connect with friends. For people waiting at the bus interchange it can help to while away those moments in between waiting for buses or transferring.’’

Queanbeyan-based Deane’s buses already has a Wi-Fi system on its services.

Ms Hunter said a full-rollout of Wi–Fi could involve sponsorship from private sector companies.

She said the Greens had already delivered more frequent bus services and was committed to improving public transport.