Tag: Auckland Council

Wi-Fi Coming to a Public Transport Venue Near You

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If you have an AT-HOP card

 

I saw this gem come up on Twitter a few moments ago.

From Voxy:

AT HOP WiFi to launch at train stations

Friday, 23 May, 2014 – 12:22

Following the introduction of Auckland’s new electric trains, free WiFi internet access will be launched at train stations on 26 May. Full WiFi access will be available for eligible registered AT HOP card users through a new service called “AT HOP WiFi”.

Auckland Transport, in conjunction with Telecom New Zealand, is initially introducing the service for eligible registered AT HOP users at 40 train stations on its public transport network. WiFi is scheduled to be phased onto the network’s 14 ferry wharfs and 11 bus terminals over the coming months.

Auckland Transport’s Chief Operating Officer, Greg Edmonds says, “AT is pleased to be partnering with Telecom to bring this added value service to our registered AT HOP card customers.

“We are always looking at ways to improve and add value to the public transport experience for our customers. WiFi at our train stations offers customers an opportunity to check out emails, Facebook, Buzzfeed and the like or to kick start their working or study day”.

Mr Edmonds says WiFi on trains, buses and ferries is also being reviewed as a possibility in the future, dependent on technology.

Ed Hyde, General Manager of the Telecom Digital Ventures team that has developed the WiFi solution says that free WiFi internet access on train stations is great news for Auckland.

“Greater connectivity on the go has huge benefits for transport users and for Auckland. People can better connect with their friends or keep in touch with their business or office while at the train station. International visitors can share their holiday experiences with family and friends. That’s all helping to make Auckland one of the world’s most liveable cities.

“Partnering with Auckland Transport to provide free WiFi for AT HOP users is a natural extension of the Telecom national WiFi strategy. We already have nearly 1000 WiFi hotspots around New Zealand, and partnering with key infrastructure providers such as Auckland Transport is the next step in delivering a seamless customer and mobility experience.”

Eligible AT HOP users will be able to access free WiFi with no daily time limit, although a data usage cap of 1GB per day will apply. Customers without an AT HOP card will be able to connect to the free WiFi service for 10 minutes a day.

To connect to the service, customers can log-on using the last seven digits on their AT HOP card, no matter who their current mobile provider is.

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Source: http://www.voxy.co.nz/technology/hop-wifi-launch-train-stations/5/191254

 

Yay and will be even better when it is rolled out on the new electric trains.

 

‘Direction’ set on redeveloping downtown Auckland

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Report back and decision set for August

 

This morning I was at the Auckland Development Committee listening in on the debate around what to do with Queen Elizabeth Square in downtown Auckland. The debate was pretty good although some not necessary outbursts did mar the overall quality of the debate. I take my hat off to Councillor Cameron Brewer who articulated the main points around the Square debate very well today – as did Councillor Fletcher. Hopefully Councillor Brewer will get one of his fabled releases out as it will be a good one to see (for once).

Full commentary will be up tomorrow but in the meantime from Auckland Council:

First steps taken to redevelop downtown Auckland

 

Auckland Council has agreed in principle to negotiate the sale of Queen Elizabeth Square to Precinct Properties New Zealand Ltd in return for proceeds being used to provide quality downtown public spaces.

 

The square and the Downtown Shopping Centre sit above the route of the twin rail tunnels that will form part of the city rail link.

Precinct Properties proposes major redevelopment of its shopping centre and surrounding properties which it owns.

Proceeds from the commercial sale of the 2000m2 public square could be used to develop an alternative public area, such as Admiralty Steps on the Quay street waterfront.

A plan by Precinct Properties for the comprehensive redevelopment of its property holdings in the area has also opened an opportunity to reintroduce aspects of historic Little Queen Street which was lost in earlier redevelopments.

Council staff believe Precinct Properties’ plans will also link with council proposals for the transformation of Quay Street waterfront.

“We are in the very early stages of proposals for this area,” said Deputy Mayor and Auckland Development Committee chair Councillor Penny Hulse. “With the city rail link tunnels running below Precinct Properties buildings, it makes sense to align the tunnel construction with the company’s development programme.

“Working with the company will produce the best outcome for all parties, including new public amenities at no cost to ratepayers.”

—ends—

 

Note that Queen Elizabeth Square has NOT been sold. However, the Council through today have made their intent known that they do wish to sell the Square back to the private sector.

A decision at the Auckland Development Committee in August will decide whether to actually sell the Square or not.

 

Full commentary tomorrow