Some local public transit users now have access to free Wi-Fi on hundreds of Port Authority buses.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT) announced the service as part of the “latest investment in technology aimed at enhancing the customer experience.”

“We’re excited to be able to make investments like this that improve our customer’s [sic] comfort and riding experience,” says PAT CEO Katharine Kelleman in a press release. “Free Wi-Fi will better connect passengers who are on-the-go and start to bring our system into the future.”

PAT spokesman Adam Brandolph says new Wi-Fi modems are installed in more than 400 buses throughout the system and that “all neighborhoods and routes will see the rollout effective immediately.” There will also be a special decal designating which buses have the new feature.

The remainder of the bus fleet and light rail vehicles will be equipped with free passenger Wi-Fi by early next year.

Riders can log on to the Wi-Fi network by selecting “PAAC WIFI.” No password is necessary and there is no limit on time usage, but customers will need to agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use.

The upgrade – which cost PAT around $2.4 million upfront and is expected to cost $400,000 a year – comes just months after buses were equipped with USB outlets for passengers to charge their smartphones and other mobile devices.

A press release says PAT also plans to launch a mobile payment application that will allow customers to pay their fare with smartphones and is working with cellular service providers to offer mobile connectivity in the underground portions of the light rail system, where reception is currently poor or not available.

The signal is described by PAT as being about as fast as 4G LTE, meaning that passengers can easily do things like check email or browse the internet, but not download large files or stream high-definition video. Riders must keep in mind that service could be affected by sharing bandwidth, fluctuating signal strength, and entering areas lacking adequate cell phone service.

Jeffrey Devlin, PAT’s chief information officer, believes the new Wi-Fi is not only convenient but could provide a valuable service for passengers in underserved communities.

“Free Wi-Fi, much like public transit, can open up a world of opportunity,” says Devlin in a press release.