The New York City MTA has changed the story, twice, about its plans for little used WiFi service on the city buses.
"The MTA spelled out plans in its latest budget to eliminate lightly used Wi-Fi service on thousands of buses — then backtracked after THE CITY inquired about the proposed cut," reports Jose Martinez.
The agency then announced it was still preparing to cut back WiFi service on buses, "noting it had overestimated how much riders would use Wi-Fi on buses," according to Martinez. A few days later, however, the agency said it wasn't cutting the service at all.
There is evidence that WiFi isn't used very much, probably because so many riders have cellular service. "In January — when more than 40 million people rode buses — there were 630,000 log-ons to bus Wi-Fi, according to an MTA statement given to THE CITY in March," reports Martinez.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced WiFi service on MTA buses with much fanfare in 2016, but the additional amenity hasn't been enough to prevent ridership from declining on the city's buses.
FULL STORY: MTA SENDS SCRAMBLED SIGNALS ON LITTLE-USED $2.5M BUS WI-FI
New York Mayor's 'Gridlock Alerts' Go Unheeded
Mobility advocates say the city must do more to make transit and alternative transportation modes more convenient for drivers.
NYC Transit Needs Its Commuters Back
With ridership still at less than half of pre-pandemic levels, the region's transit agencies face billions of dollars in budget shortfalls after federal assistance runs out.
NYC Bus Service Hindered by Congestion
Sharing lanes with car traffic may make it impossible for the MTA to increase service frequency.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service