Technology in this day and age allows people to check e-mails, text, and do many things using their smartphones, laptops, phones, etc. There are very few places now that don’t allow you access to wi-fi technology or cellular technology, one of them being the NYC Subway System. Soon this will change, due to T-Mobile and AT&T signing into a 10 year agreement with Transit Wireless. Commuters shall gain access to cellular and wi-fi technology allowing them to do everything from talk, text and connect to the web. This kind of technology will give freedom to the commuters to actually enjoy subway rides with the ability to use their smartphones, laptops, or other devices. On a downside this might also add to noise pollution that has already plagued MTA Bus routes. Also this sort of freedom of use of technology would somewhat be limited by the number of passengers on the train, you wouldn’t be able to really check e-mails or surf the web on your laptop with a packed train. In my opinion this sort of technology will be a hindrance, unless rules of conduct are set, due to the fact that commuters might take advantage of this technology and become nuisances. This is much like on MTA Bus Routes when you try to relax on the bus going to work, and the only thing you hear is a bunch of people talking on their cell phones or listening to music. The way everything will work out is dependent on the actions of the individual commuters and how they use the cellular or wi-fi access.
Terrific post. I hate the idea of people talking on their cellphones in the subway, though!
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