When there is an emergency subway shutdown, transit users who cannot afford data depend on free Wi-Fi in stations. Riders need internet connectivity when we are running late to work, when we need to look up TTC route directions, when we need accessibility information, when there are emergencies, or when we want to use the TTC's "SafeTTC" app.
That's why free public Wi-Fi on the TTC is a necessity.
Add your name to support keeping and expanding free Wi-Fi! If you want to get more involved, send an email [email protected].
Why is this happening?
The TTC granted Rogers a 10-year contract extension for the wireless network in spring 2023 after Rogers bought out BAI Canada, without a public vote or report to the TTC Board.
The TTC says it would cost $17 million to upgrade and keep public Wi-Fi, but they have not shopped around because Rogers has an exclusive contract. There has not been a breakdown of the cost estimate and TTC staff admitted in the September 24, 2024 TTC Board meeting that they have not negotiated with Rogers about the price.
Councillor Josh Matlow and TTC Chair Jamaal Myers moved a motion at the September 24, 2024 TTC Board meeting to explore keeping free public Wi-Fi and to direct TTC staff to provide a cost breakdown of the $17 million Wi-Fi upgrade quote and more cost-effective options, and report on whether Rogers has any contractual obligations to provide Wi-Fi.
Unfortunately, the unelected "citizen members" and Councillors Dianne Saxe and Stephen Holyday voted against an equity analysis studying the impacts of ending free Wi-Fi, and against continuing free Wi-Fi in the subway until an analysis had been completed. They also voted against getting a real cost breakdown of the quote provided by Rogers.
Table: Matt Elliott for City Hall Watcher: Doug Ford has a tunnel vision, TTC cuts the wifi, City Hall posts surplus
Hasn’t the TTC already voted to cancel free Wi-Fi?
The good news is that this topic will come up again at a future TTC Board meeting because the Board voted yes to a cost-benefit analysis of piloting free Wi-Fi on bus and street platforms and bays at stations. If you are interested in speaking up, reach out to us at [email protected].
Why do people need free Wi-Fi on the TTC?
Toronto's 2021 broadband study found that 34% of Toronto households worry about paying their internet bills, predominantly low-income, single-parent, and racialized households. Many TTC users are shift workers, women, and individuals with low-incomes. A 2022 poll commissioned by the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto found that 59% of women had experienced sexual harassment on public transit, and that transit users feel least safe in the subway and would feel safer with digital access.
What are riders saying?
Several transit riders have reached out to us and shared their thoughts on the importance of free public Wi-Fi in the TTC:
“Thousands of students who can't afford Canada's notably expensive data plans rely on TTC WiFi every day to navigate around a city that is new to many of them. If high fares and passes should pay for anything, they should maintain this basic service.”
“This is a very important equity and safety issue, particularly important for women who need to feel safe and connected while using public transit. I depend on free TTC Wi-Fi while on my way from home to work -- I don't have a car or a regular Wi-Fi plan on my phone because data is way too expensive. I am over 65, and my family also likes me to stay in good touch. I've had four joint replacements in recent years and gotten to my medical and physio appointments via TTC. The new elevators and accessibility options are great, but Wi-Fi is also an important part of accessibility.”
"Killing the free Wi-Fi directly impacts people with disabilities, especially those with visual impairment, to get basic information on accessibility at stations (elevator outages, detours, issues on subway line). People with low vision or those who are blind, cannot access the information displayed on subway TV screens. I have used the free TTC WiFi myself to book Wheel-Trans rides and check on GoogleMaps how to get places with my wheelchair."
"NEWSFLASH: Not everyone has data on their phone! I DON’T HAVE A DATA PLAN ON MY PHONE. Cellphone plans are too damn expensive! Canadians are gouged with the highest cellphone service fees in the world. How do they expect people to use apps like the SafeTTC app to report dangerous and problematic issues while travelling? It’s hard enough trying to report safety threats while on moving trains in tunnels."
“I personally rely on the TTC’s imperfect Wi-Fi services because I can’t afford data. When I was a newcomer, I relied on Wi-Fi to get directions. I will probably be forced to become a fare evader if I ever become stranded with no Wi-Fi to add money to my PRESTO card, because PRESTO machines don’t accept certain increments of funds. Many times, I have been able to use the TTC Wi-Fi to top-up my PRESTO with 1 dollar or 50 cents to get home. Removing Wi-Fi is a further knock down to low-income people.”
Read more about this topic:
Toronto Star columnist Ed Keenan:
Wi-Fi on TTC is a necessity for many. Rogers and the city should step up.
TTCriders’ September 24, 2024 Press Release:
Statement by TTCriders and ACORN, and Social Planning Toronto on September 16, 2024:
Public Wi-Fi on the TTC should be improved and expanded, not cut
