Regional council offers free Wi-Fi for Rotorua bus users

Free Wi-Fi will be offered on some Cityride buses as part of a three month trial. Photo/File

Rotorua bus users will have access to free Wi-Fi on some Cityride urban buses for the next three months.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has announced a free Wi-Fi trial on six Cityride urban buses.

Public Transport Committee chairman Lyall Thurston said a similar trial in the Western Bay of Plenty had been popular.

The first month of the Western Bay trial has seen close to 900 logins on Bayhopper buses and Thurston said it was pleasing there had been a good uptake early on as it was passenger feedback that led the regional council to install the technology.

"It's great to be able to enhance the on-board experience for those using our buses and now Rotorua passengers have the chance to stay connected as they go about their day," Thurston said.

"Customers don't need to set up an account or register, they just agree to the terms and conditions and tick the box."

Buses with free Wi-Fi access will have a Wi-Fi sticker on the outside of the bus door, with information on board giving users simple login instructions.

A short survey will take place early in the new year so the regional council can gain feedback from customers.

To ensure everyone using the Cityride service enjoys a good quality connection, Wi-Fi access will be limited to one device and 40MB a day (24 hours) for each customer.