Manila to equip waiting sheds with free Wi-Fi

The city of Manila is poised for a dash of aesthetic lift as it embarks on another ambitious project: Wi-Fi equipped waiting sheds to accommodate the tribe of commuters who rely on the internet to ease boredom waiting for their rides.

In a couple of weeks, 12 innovative waiting sheds will be seen in strategic areas in the city as officials continue to employ various ideas in giving the city a new image, first by solving its horrendous traffic that has long plagued commuters.

Previously, the city reaped criticisms from commuters and bus operators who resisted a local policy that prohibited the entry of buses without existing terminals in the city. Officials later set the policy into an ordinance and bus companies have since filed for a Temporary Restraining Order against the new law.

Additional bus stops or loading and unloading areas have also been approved by the city council after it amended the citys traffic code to accommodate the policy on buses.

At the end of the day, we are answerable to you, Vice Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso said referring to Manila residents whose expectations are divided as far as the new projects are concerned.

The question is the sustainability of the project. Will it go on for a long time or is it here because they are just starting their term? Darby, 23, a commuter said.

Lets see how far it will go, Tondo resident Cynthia said.

Aside from equipping the sheds with wifi, CCTV cameras will also be installed in them to thwart crime and monitor incidents occurring in and around the cutting-edge waiting areas.

The project is in partnership with a private consortium under a public private partnership agreement.

Domagoso, who is also chief of the Manila Traffic Council, earlier headed the installation of surveillance cameras in the following traffic-heavy areas: A. Villegas Street, perimeter of SM Manila, Plaza Lawton, Lawton Underpass, Ferry terminal, Jones Bridge, Manila Post Office, Quiapo bridge and Almeda street.

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Manila to equip waiting sheds with free Wi-Fi