TTC delays about to get even more aggravating as cell reception comes into the subways
Here’s an idea we’re putting into the wait-and-see category: the TTC wants to add cell phone service to its subway stations. While every step towards the end of pay phones adds cheer to our hearts, we can think of a few drawbacks to what the CBC reported last week:
Cellphone service equipment will be installed at subway stations only, [Adam] Giambrone said, but service may reach some tunnels as well.
“I suspect with stations in the downtown core that are 400 metres apart, that you are going to have virtually continuous service,” he said.
Even though customers may lose reception between stations, Giambrone believes the initiative will be a success.
So as we wait between Bay and Yonge stations for the train to finally start moving again, we’ll be greeted not just with the atonal drone of a TTC announcement, but the cicada-like hum of BlackBerries with a chaser of half-shouted phone calls? Joy.
The improvements, such as they are, won’t happen until after the TTC entertains bids from Canada’s wireless providers. One has apparently agreed to pay for the privilege of serving a captive audience, but no word yet on when this will roll out—nothing more specific than “early 2012”, anyway.
So now, not only do we have to deal with rude,stinky,nose picking,fingernail clipping pushy passengers, now we have to also hear them yelling into their cell phones about their fight with their boyfriends etc. What we need is MANNERS but hey all Torontonians need to learn some manners not just the TTC riders. I think I will now walk- just keep on the right side of the sidewalk please.
get with the program people. Blackberry is here to stay. I I welcome the opportunity to ease into my workday during the morning commute.
People need to realize it is not a problem to be without a phone or e-mail for fifteen minutes of their day. This is just going to be something annoying that makes Torontonians even ruder than they already are, and even more self-absorbed.
I don’t think any of you are thinking of the safety benefits of cell phone reception in subway stations. Maybe unnecessary for busy downtown stations, but as a young female I have waited in many a subway station late at night hoping that the creepy man staring at me only plans to stare.
Well folks, Vancouver’s way ahead of you with their new ‘Canada Line’ rapid transit line from YVR airport & Richmond to the downtown waterfront. 16KM of inbound/outbound tunnels have had cell service since opening in August of last year. Riders and texters love it; no problems at all; 4 bars end-to-end. Dead zones in TTC? Toronto deserves better.