If you’re a public transportation user in New York City who prefers to stay overground than underground when getting around, the experience is about to become a whole lot more comfortable.
The city announced Tuesday it’s to introduce 2,000 “state-of-the-art” buses, with the first ones rolling onto the streets in April.
The $1.3 billion investment means many of the city’s two million daily bus users will be able to access on-board Wi-Fi and make use of USB ports for charging phones and other mobile devices. Each of the new vehicles will have between 35 and 55 of the power-giving ports depending on the vehicle’s make and model, and will be “conveniently located” throughout the bus.
The vehicles will also feature electronic signboards offering travelers up-to-the-minute information about their journey, including upcoming stops and available transfers.
“Today’s world demands connectivity, and we’re meeting that challenge with state-of-the-art buses and a major overhaul of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s fleet,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said, adding that the upgrade will create “a stronger, more convenient, and more connected mass transit system for years to come.”
The high-tech buses, which will have “a distinct new look and feel” (make your own mind up by checking out the images), are set to replace about 40 percent of the MTA’s current fleet, with all of the new vehicles going into service by 2020.
Commenting on the investment, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Internet access has become “a necessity, not a privilege, and from charging ports to Wi-Fi, this new MTA fleet will provide critical tech services that New Yorkers depend on each day.”
