TORONTO

Bay Station now WiFi ready; 7 more planned by the end of 2014

CTV Toronto Published Tuesday, August 12, 2014 9:44PM EDT Last Updated Tuesday, August 12, 2014 9:52PM EDT

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Toronto transit riders can now surf the Internet using their wireless devices at a third TTC subway station, and work is underway to connect seven more transit hubs by the end of the year.

BAI Canada, working with the Toronto Transit Commission, said on Tuesday that it has switched on WiFi service at Bay Station. It joins Bloor-Yonge and St. George, the first two stations to get free, public WiFi service in December 2013.

"Thousands of riders are logging on and using TCONNECT, which provides connectivity for the Internet, social media and email, as well as access to real-time alerts and transit updates," TTC CEO Andy Byford said in a statement on Tuesday.

BAI, which also provides wireless service for transit systems in New York and Hong Kong, won a contract in December 2012 to provide WiFi service for Toronto's subway network. The company is paying the TTC $25 million for the 20-year deal and generates money from the ad content it shows before users connect to the web.

Commuters can log on to the Internet in all public areas of subway stations, including platforms, mezzanines, walkways and stairs. BAI said the second phase of their project will involve extending the cellular network in the TTC tunnels. All the work is expected to be completed in the next three to four years.

The TTC and BAI also unveiled on Tuesday when the other subway stations will be WiFi ready: