Community Transit

WI-FI wireless Internet access is available on a limited number of Community Transit bus trips. While this project was launched with a hope of expanding WI-FI access on buses, low customer response, budget constraints and changing technology have changed those plans. For now, WI-FI access is available only on the trips listed to the right.

Laptop users can read email and browse the Internet while relaxing during their ride on selected commuter buses, marked with a WI-FI sticker near the door. Please refrain from asking coach operators Internet-related questions; they are not able to provide technical assistance.

All trips on Route 422 have WI-FI. It is offered Route 441 for the 6:40 a.m. and 5:10 p.m. trips and on Route 406 at 7:49 a.m., 4:05 p.m. and 6:05 p.m.

To use our on-board WI-FI service, your device must be equipped with a WI-FI or wireless network card. Usage is identical to connecting with any other wireless network. Both PCs and Macs can be used. Because of the wide range of WI-FI enabled devices, Community Transit cannot guarantee that your device will connect to our service. Your browser must support basic Java script to connect.

Some important tips:

• Please be a good WI-FI neighbor. Use proper etiquette when using our WI-FI service. The service is designed to allow for basic web services like browsing web content, checking email and instant messaging. The service is not designed for large file transfers, streaming multi-media content or gaming.
• Be conscientious of what you are viewing so that you do not disturb or offend others.
• Have your Operating System patched to the latest release to help reduce security holes.
• Ensure your Antivirus software is up to date and active to protect yourself.
• Verify your Firewall software is running and configured properly.
• Avoid streaming media across the network. There is limited bandwidth, so please allow others to enjoy the service.

Be a good WI-FI Neighbor

• Have your Operating System patched to the latest release.
  (..to help reduce security holes)
• Ensure your Antivirus software is up to date and active.
  (..to protect yourself)
• Verify your Firewall software is running and configured properly.
  (..again to protect yourself)
• Be aware of the content you are accessing.
  (.. you are in a public place, not your private home. Please have consideration for others.)
• Please avoid streaming media across the network.
  (..there is limited bandwidth, please allow other to enjoy the service)

Every effort has been made to provide internet access as a service to our customers. Please be aware that the technology we are utilizing is new and relies on a range of hardware and service providers to function properly. Therefore we cannot and will not guarantee 100% system up time. The service is designed to allow for basic web services like browsing web content, checking email and instant messaging. The service is not designed for large file transfers, streaming multi media content or gaming. Please be aware you are connecting directly to the public internet through this connection; your computer and data will not have the same protections you may have at home or the office. We have strived to provide you with a reliable, enjoyable service. We have no control over how your computer is configured, and are unable to provide assistance if you are having difficulty.

FAQ's

How do I connect?

• Most wireless devices that user 802.11b can easily connect to the service.
• The service is being broadcast with the SSID “Surf_and_Ride”
• Enable your wireless device to connect the SSID provided and start a browser.
• From the browser read the message and click on the “connect” link and you will be connected to the internet.

What do I need to know about the network to connect?

• Have your device search for available network and attach to the SSID “Surf_and_Ride”.
• No passwords or other settings are required.

Can someone help me configure my computer?

• Community Transit’s drivers are unable to provide technical assistance if needed. Their role is to provide you with safe, comfortable and convenient transport to your destination. Although we hope you find our WI-FI service convenient, our drivers do not have the expertise or time to lend a helping hand.
• Because of the wide variety of WI-FI network card manufacturers and configurations, Community Transit cannot guarantee the service will work properly with your equipment. We have provided the necessary connection information for you to access this free service. If you need additional information we recommend you consult the manufacturer’s information for the wireless device you have.
• If you are unfamiliar with or uncomfortable making changes to your computer settings to take advantage of our service, Community Transit recommends you consider obtaining knowledgeable support from someone whose expertise you trust. Community Transit is not responsible for any changes you or another individual may make to your computer or wireless device.
• Our WI-FI technology utilizes a cellular connection to the Internet while the bus is in transit. Consequently there may be periods or locations where service is intermittent or unavailable because of the characteristics of the cellular network.

General Tips (all systems)

Wireless Card Settings: Try to connect first. If there is a problem, then you can proceed to change some settings. Be sure to record your current settings before you make any changes. Try to use the configuration software provided by your wireless card manufacturer; this should make the connection easy.

SSID (network name) = any or "Surf_and_Ride"
WEP = disable WEP encryption
Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point

Quick and simple tips on setting up your computer.

Note: Most network adapters have a program installed with them to setup and configure your wireless connections. This program will help you and should make the job easier.

Windows 98

WI-FI Settings:
Start Control Panel then select Network
Select TCP/IP and then click on Properties (if more than one select the one associated with the wireless adapter)
Under IP Address, click Obtain an IP address automatically.
Under DNS select Obtain DNS automatically.

Windows 2000 & XP

Network Settings:
Open Control Panel
Select [Network and Dial-up Connections] or [Network and Internet Connections]or [Network Connections]
Right-Click on connections for the wireless adapter
Click on [Properties]
Click on [TCP/IP] then [Properties]
Check [Obtain an IP address automatically] and [Obtain DNS automatically]
Right Click on the [Wireless Network Connection] and select [View Available Wireless Neworks] Select the [Surf_and_Ride] click on [Connect]

Windows NT

Network Settings:
Click on [Control Panel] then [Network]
Find the TCP/IP protocol next to the wireless adapter and click on [Properties]
Select [Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server] click on OK

Internet Explorer Tips:

Different versions may have different settings
Start Internet Explorer
If it connects you dont have to change anything
If it does not click on [Tools]
Click on [Internet Options] then on [Connections]
At the bottom of the page click on [LAN Settings] Should be [Automatically detect settings] leave [Proxy Server] blank

Macintosh

Network Settings (OS 8 & 9):
Select: Apple Menu > Control Panel > TCP/IP
Connect via your wireless (WI-FI) Ethernet
Configure "Using DHCP Server"
Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank

Network Settings (OS X):

Select: [Apple Menu] [System Preferences][Network] button
Select [TCP/IP] tab and [Configure Using DHCP]
Above the [TCP/IP] tab, you may need to configure your (WI-FI) Card.
Leave the Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank

Mobile Device Terms

Wi-Fi

Wireless fidelity

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

A local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet.

Access Point

A piece of equipment used to send and receive wireless signals from a WI-FI enabled device and allows for multiple users to share the same signals to access resources.

Hot Spot

A location that hosts an Access Point. Hot spot service can be free or there may be a charge. Examples include coffee shops, airports, libraries and now selected Community Transit coaches.

SSID (Service Set Identifier)

A setting used to distinguish between multiple wireless networks. With WI-FI technology multiple networks can be available at one time. The SSID gives the network a name that can be identified to connect the proper service. The Community Transit mobile access points use the SSID Surf_and_Ride.

802.11b / 802.11g

These are standard WI-FI protocols that are common on current adapters. The 802.11b operates up to 11 megabits per second and 802.11g operates up to 54 megabits per second. Currently our service supports 802.11b but any 802.11g adapter can still connect at a slower speed.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is not a WI-FI protocol for connection to the internet. It is a short-range protocol for connecting devices and attaching to add-ons like cameras, head sets and printers.