Have you ever needed WiFi on a bus? Maybe you're half done with your project, and your class is first period. Maybe you're bored out of your mind, but you used all of your cellular data. Maybe you want to listen to music as you sleep because the engine is too loud and someone's baby is crying. This is the my life, and many others in New York City. WiFi has been part of New Yorkers' MTA experience for almost seven years. What will it be like if that changes?

WiFi, of course, isn't the only way to use the internet on public transport. Using cellular data is becoming more and more popular, with WiFi usage on MTA vehicles dwindling. Perhaps it would make sense to get rid of WiFi on MTA vehicles to save money. However, this plan isn't exactly that. The MTA is planning to get rid of WiFi exclusively for express buses. This is an injustice. Well, one might say, underground trains have spotty data connection, so it might be wise to keep WiFi on trains. I agree. But what about the other buses, like the M96 and the Bx7? Cellular data is accessible on vehicles like these, but the MTA seems intent on removing WiFi exclusively on express buses.

Express buses have "low usage" of the free WiFi that the MTA provides. Perhaps that is true, but that can also apply for other buses. Why get rid of WiFi just for express buses? Express buses are currently $4 more expensive, so why not include a perk of free WiFi in the ride, especially if $2.75 buses have the same feature? Many riders of express buses use phones, yes, and most likely use cellular data. But what if riders have used it all?  What if riders want to make use of their time and work on laptops instead? Laptops and tablets are less likely to have cellular data. They would have nowhere to turn if the MTA gets rid of the free WiFi they provide.

The MTA is planning on getting rid of free WiFi on express buses by mid-January. That is a week, if not a few days, from now (January 11). Now is the time to act and convince the MTA to keep the free WiFi before it is too late. Before you think about scrolling away, consider the times you have forgotten about a homework assignment, or stressed about sending an email too late. What if that scene happens on an MTA express bus? What if the MTA gets rid of the free WiFi?