Less than two weeks after it was revealed that the TTC was cutting the free Wi-Fi it has long offered in Toronto's subway stations, the transit agency has now decided to reassess the move, which had garnered mixed reactions from the public.

Staff detailed how usage of the program has dwindled by 65 per cent in the last year thanks to the rollout of replacement Rogers 5G wireless service underground, and also how it is not always the most reliable or effective, is susceptible to cyberattacks, is underfunded, and has generally reached its "end of life."

Refurbishing the infrastructure to be up to par would also cost some $17 million, which the TTC said "does not feel like a wise investment" given that the Wi-Fi is used during only two per cent of trips.

The #TTC now needs to ensure that the 5G network works all the way through the subway with no dead zones. Not everyone has a data plan either. https://t.co/sg1w26rCYi

— Bill Smith ♊️ (@billcs) September 12, 2024

Still, advocates have since argued that TConnect, launched in 2013, continues to be vital for vulnerable riders. Those at greater risk of violence on the network, as well as visitors, low-income groups and others who are unable to access the new 5G are most likely among those 20,000 logins a day.

Some, like TTC Chair Jamaal Myers, posit that not only should TConnect be maintained, but extended to bus bays and street platforms in line with the city's aim to expand free public internet access overall.

"Communicating and accessing information during emergencies and service disruptions is a matter of safety and accessibility for transit users," Myers wrote in a motion that demanded the commission continue TConnect operations "until the potential impact on low-income riders and women has been analyzed."

It also asked for a look into cheaper options to keep and grow the service, and questioned whether Rogers has any obligations to provide Wi-Fi given the 10-year contract extension the TTC and the telecom giant signed for wireless service last year.

Free #TTC Wi-Fi is a necessity for riders who can't afford expensive data.

Thank you to @JoshMatlow and @CllrJamaalMyers for your motion to get a real cost breakdown and keep wi-fi in stations an analysis is reported on who is impacted. pic.twitter.com/UIsFcCMZ9d

— TTCriders (@ttcriders) September 24, 2024

Yesterday, the TTC Board voted in favour of the motion, which was presented by Myers, Toronto—St. Paul's City Councillor Josh Matlow, and members from TTCRiders, WomanACT and others.

But, this does not necessarily mean a reversal of the decision — the current service term is not being extended, and is still set to expire at the end of this year.

Seeing how so many residents agreed with the TTC's initial points that TConnect was sketchy and underused, hopefully, it's possible to renew the amenity in a way that is more useful to more commuters, even with the existence of new 5G service. And, hopefully for far less than the $17 million that the TTC suggested could be better used in its mission to provide safe and reliable transit service.