More Wi-Fi, Cell Service Coming To NYC Subway
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York City subway riders will soon have more access to Wi-Fi and cellphone service as part of a plan to upgrade an aging transit system that serves 9 million people daily.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo detailed the improvements Friday, saying the five-year, $29 billion plan will restore New York's legacy of building big for future generations.
"No cell service, no Wi-Fi service -- that has to change," Cuomo said. "It should change. That's going to be part of the MTA of tomorrow."
Many underground subway stations already have cellphone, data and Wi-Fi service, but MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergast pledged to have Wi-Fi available in every station by year's end and cellphone service by early 2017.
"We're embracing the digital age because it's an expectation our customers have," he said.
The plan also includes subway countdown clocks, replacement subway cars and mobile charging stations on subway cars. Thirty stations will be completely overhauled.
The MTA also plans to replace transit buses and complete bridge and tunnel repairs.
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