Ontario Northland, a Crown agency of the Government of Ontario providing transportation services for passengers and goods, has revealed its new ON Board Wi-Fi and Entertainment System for passengers on the Polar Bear Express.
The Polar Bear Express Wi-Fi service is Ontario Northland’s all-in-one, free internet connection and entertainment portal. This upgrade gives customers access to Wi-Fi service and various entertainment options to enjoy during their travels.
Passengers can now watch a variety of content, including dramas, comedies, news and documentaries; listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks to make the journey more enjoyable; and dive into e-books across multiple genres for a truly immersive experience.
In addition to offering entertainment, the Wi-Fi upgrade includes integration with the payment system on the dining car, streamlining the use of debit and credit cards for purchases.
In 2023, Ontario Northland first introduced onboard Passenger Wi-Fi, powered by Icomera's X-Series mobile access router and entertainment portal GoView, on their full 49-vehicle bus fleet.
Chad Evans, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Northland
It has been a long-held goal to offer Wi-Fi on the Polar Bear Express, challenged by the remote nature of the service area. Passengers can now stay connected while on board and access a variety of entertainment options. This service enhancement marks a significant milestone, demonstrating Ontario Northland’s commitment to modernization and meeting the needs of passengers.
Tracy MacPhee, Vice President, Passenger Rail and Motor Coach, Ontario Northland
With more options than ever before, this upgrade gives passengers peace of mind and more control over how they spend their time travelling. We continue to modernize and enhance our services for passengers by providing more access to entertainment options and more options to connect with family and friends during the trip. Ontario Northland strives for excellence in every aspect of our service.