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More good news from the TTC: the dream of cellphone service on the subway is now on its way. The Post reports that the transit system will have a plan for providing service within the next six months. "It’s not a matter of 'if,'" Adam Giambrone told the paper, "it’s a matter of 'when.'" The bill—likely footed by the cellphone carriers—will be about $30 million, and it could take about three years to fully install once a proposal's in place.
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This is great! It will be a lot less frustrating for people trying to meet in one place... nothing is more aggravating than waiting for an indefinite period of time because you have no idea what is holding someone up.
Also, this will allow some of the bike messengers to get off the streets. The messengers can't really use the subway currently because that puts them out of contact, which is very important when the bosses need them to quickly pick up a nearby package. Being a bike messenger in the core is dangerous, so this is a good thing!
ps. I had a few bike messengers tell me that the average is about once a month to have a run-in with a car. The worst encounter is the 'door prize', where you're riding past parked traffic and somebody opens their door without looking. You usually end up flying over the door, which redirects you towards the body of the car. You clip the roof and hood on your way to the ground.
Just when I get that Beyonce song out of my head, you shove it back in.
I can no longer deny its power. I bow down to you, Queen B.
About time. The TTC has been holding out for years on this one. Now people can talk on their phones for the whole trip instead of quickly dialling and talking when the train goes briefly topside.
And maybe my battery won't die by the end of the line as the phone searches fruitlessly for a signal.
Sounds good to me as long as it's paid for with private money.
It would be wise of the TTC to have the telecoms sponsor the move, seeing as they'd benefit the most.
I wish I had a device that could zap all cell phones out of commission within 50 feet of me.
More annoying than smokers, in my opinion.
Uh oh. Yes, it's convenient to keep in touch when meeting up with people but I'm not sure that out weighs having to listen to annoying conversations and ring tones. Overall, I think this is a poor move. I'd say make the stations cell accessible but leave the cars quiet... if that's possible.
A dream? I'm looking forward to everyone holding loud individual conversations on their mobiles for entire subway rides, still averting fellow passengers' eyes.
In Seoul they have cell service on the subways but you don't hear loud conversations or annoying ring tones. Don't blame the technology for its boorish users.
Yes, people with poor manners will still annoy you with or without cell service on the subway. This service will increase the convenience of using public transit.
Here in Tokyo, I often make a 20 second call to alert my friend of my ETA, and it saves everyone some stress. But the Japanese are notoriously polite, so Toronto might see longer and louder conversations. I can't imagine having a private personal or business conversation in close quarters for my OWN peace of mind.
I think it will bring far more benefits than minor annoyances.