On Monday, Cincinnati Metro began deploying WiFi-equipped vans to communities around Cincinnati to help people work, apply for benefits and stay connected with friends and family — for free.
Today Metro in partnership with the @CityOfCincy, @IamCPS and the @cincyrec, will provide Wi-Fi equipped Access vans at Dunham Recreation Center from 1-5 p.m. as a safe way for the community to connect to Wi-Fi. Learn more: https://t.co/NDFyexHzvO pic.twitter.com/yzboWnOJMg
— Cincinnati Metro (@cincinnatimetro) June 23, 2020
While no one is allowed to board the vans, users can connect to their WiFi access points from 50 to 100 feet away, a press release said. (If that rule is violated and an individual boards a van, the van will be removed from the area out of concern for health and safety.)
“With schools being out and so many in our community not having access to the internet, we thought offering our WiFi-enabled vehicles would be a great way to help provide a solution to at least one challenge our community is facing during these difficult times,” said Darryl Haley, Metro CEO and general manager.
The free WiFi access vans are part of a partnership between Metro, the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Public Schools and the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, a press release said.
“The City of Cincinnati is pleased to partner with Metro, CPS and CRC to bring WiFi connectivity to several neighborhoods,” said Mayor John Cranley. “We’re hoping residents will use this opportunity to complete the 2020 census online, which will provide critical feedback that will help shape many different aspects of our city in the future.”
The vans will be parked at several recreational centers around Cincinnati through June 26 and will be accessible from 1-5 p.m:
June 23 — Dunham Recreation Center, 4356 Dunham Lane
June 24 — Madisonville Recreation Center, 5320 Stewart Ave.
June 25 — Bush Recreation Center, 2640 Kemper Lane
June 26 — Lincoln Recreation Center, 1027 Linn St.
Support local journalism in these crazy days. Our small but mighty team is working tirelessly to bring you up to the minute news. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.
Other ways to support CityBeat: subscribe to our newsletters, advertise with us, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
