CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati Metro is adding free Wi-Fi service to buses as part of a pilot program starting Monday.
Fifty-nine Metro buses and five Access vehicles covering various routes will offer Wi-Fi during the pilot, officials announced Thursday. Vehicles with Wi-Fi will have a decal near the door and onboard signage.
Officials said it's part of an effort to attract new riders and make the service convenient to use.
"It’s about offering convenience and productivity for our customers during their daily commute. Providing Wi-Fi will allow them to regain time doing what they otherwise couldn’t behind the wheel of a car," Dwight Ferrell, Metro’s CEO and general manager, said in a written statement. "We’re excited to test out this new amenity with the hope of possibly offering it across our entire fleet in the near future as we continue to work to Reinvent Metro."
Metro will evaluate customers' data usage and demand during the pilot program. Also, having Wi-Fi onboard Metro vehicles will allow first responders to access live video in the event of an emergency.
Officials said the pilot program will last six months.
