Could these high-tech sheds be a hotspot for petty thieves? The Manila City Government has unveiled its free wireless Internet service for commuters at select waiting sheds in the city. The project, which Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso launched last week, was made possible through a public-private partnership with Sun Spring Corp. The firm could have the panels at the sheds leased out to advertisers to sustain its operations, according to the vice mayor. He added that the local government stands to earn 20% of the advertising revenue. The first WiFi shed was inaugurated near a footbridge on España Boulevard near the University of Santo Tomas.
Three more bus stops (at Park ‘N Ride Lawton, Rizal Park, and Quirino Avenue) will have a similar service. The vice mayor said the local government plans to put up smaller sheds with the same features for jeepney stops. Local police assured the public of security, with Senior Supt Gilbert Cruz, the chief of the Manila Police’s directorial staff, saying he instructed officers to put up collapsible outposts at the sheds so police could monitor the area there. He added that closed-circuit television cameras were also going to be put up at the sheds. MM
[Inquirer]
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