AUSTIN, Texas - Capital Metro says it has partnered with Austin ISD to provide Wi-Fi hotspots to students living in neighborhoods with the greatest need. The goal of this program is to give students internet access to work on assignments and finish homework.
Austin ISD has been providing Wi-Fi hotspots on its school buses since early April. Every weekday, 110 district buses provide internet access to students at multiple locations from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To help supplement, CapMetro is now sending MetroAccess vehicles to locations from 2-8 p.m.
CapMetro says they chose MetroAccess vehicles since the Wi-Fi remains accessible for eight hours after the engine is turned off. During the service times, students can access CapMetro's Wi-Fi from their school devices to work on assignments. Vehicles will be placed strategically around apartment complexes in order to allow students to study from their homes.
No one will be allowed on the buses in order to promote social distancing.
CapMetro is working with AISD to offer Wi-Fi hotspots to as many areas as possible and is also reaching out to other school districts to see if this service is needed. At this time, CapMetro vehicles will be at the following locations:
- Springdale Gardens: 1054 Springdale Rd. (starting May 8)
- East Austin College Prep: 5800 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (starting May 11)
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Austin ISD launches mobile WiFi buses to help students with distance learning
The district says the buses will be strategically positioned at apartments and neighborhoods in North and South Austin that have been identified as having the highest needs.
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