Now, PRTC to provide free WiFi on trial basis

PATIALA: After launching CCTV cameras in buses, the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) is all set to launch WiFi services in buses in a first of its kind. Initially, it has decided to provide the internet services in 150 buses under Patiala depot on trial basis. At present, the service is being provided to the passengers in 5 air-conditioned buses.

The free internet service is being provided by a private company that would also have a control over the access over the websites. The service will be provided to limited websites for entertainment on the buses to the passengers.

However, the PRTC too will be benefitted from this free internet service as it would earn around 15 percent revenue from the WiFi service. The revenue generated from the advertisements and others on the provided access to the websites is the primary source of income to the company that will pay 15 percent share to the PRTC.

“It has provided limited access to the internet services that includes websites for listening of audio and video songs and some other sites. However, the provision to access social media sites like Facebook and others are underway. We have also requested the company to provide access to social networking sites and emails. Usually everybody nowdays have access to mobile internet but even then passengers face interruption at times. The WiFi service in the bus will have a good speed and without interruption as promised by the company”, said general manager PRTC Patiala depot MS Sidhu.

AS Aulakh, general manager, PRTC said, “We have started the service in buses under Patiala depot on trial basis and the service has been started in five buses already. Under the Patiala depot there are total 217 buses including 104 normal buses. However, we will be launching WiFi service on 150 buses soon.”