Bus passengers in Walsall will be given free wi-fi access at the new St Paul’s bus station.
As part of a £680,000 refurbishment, the bus station has been fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting, refurbished toilets, an improved cycle storage area, driver rest facilities, CCTV upgrade and new public information displays.
And as a result of a partnership with 21st Century Passenger Systems, passengers will receive 20 minutes of free limitless data wi-fi per visit. A fully interactive information kiosk has also been installed at the station, allowing those without smartphones to plan their journeys.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) said it has been working with technology partners to encourage the use of public transport. “Our bus stations are gateways to our towns and cities and that is why we have been investing in them,” said Laura Shoaf, managing director, TfWM.
“Free wi-fi is just one way we can improve the passenger experience and make bus travel more attractive for those visiting the town centre. If this trial proves popular with passengers we will look at offering free wi-fi at more of our bus stations.”
At peak annual footfall the station saw eight million passengers using nearly 500,000 bus departures.
