Quezon city: Seventeen stations of the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway are now equipped with free WiFi, through a partnership between the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
According to Philippines News Agency, during the launch in Quezon City, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda stated that the program aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to enhance both transportation systems and passenger experience in public transport. As of now, the free WiFi service is accessible at the stations of Balintawak, Kaingin Road, Fernando Poe Jr. / Roosevelt, SM North EDSA, North Avenue, Philam, Quezon Avenue, Kamuning, Nepa Q-Mart, Main Avenue, Ortigas, Buendia, Ayala, Tramo, Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and SM Mall of Asia.
Aguda emphasized the importance of a satisfactory WiFi experience and mentioned that the current launch aims to facilitate electronic payments for passengers. He noted, however, that the bandwidth available for the free WiFi service is limited and primarily suitable for accessing e-wallets, messaging services, and web browsing.
Fiber connectivity is expected to be installed by March, which will enhance the bandwidth, allowing for video streaming capabilities. Aguda advised passengers to use the service for digital payments, chatting, and reading emails. For any concerns or issues with the WiFi service, passengers are encouraged to contact the DICT through its hotline 1326 or via their website and social media.
Acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez expressed gratitude to Aguda and the DICT team for the initiative, highlighting that the WiFi service complements the newly launched GCash payment system for the EDSA Busway. He noted that passengers opting for e-wallet payments can save on mobile data costs.
Lopez praised the program as an exemplary model of inter-agency cooperation aimed at providing more effective and improved public service. In December, the DOTr introduced an e-payment system for the EDSA Busway, offering passengers an alternative payment method to cash. Last year, the DICT and DOTr also launched free WiFi at all Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) stations, supporting the MRT-3's efforts to enhance passenger experience and e-payment options.
Source: Philippines News Agency
