DORAL, FL--(Marketwired - Apr 4, 2016) - United Data Technologies Inc. (UDT), a leading national provider of technology solutions and managed services in the United States, and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) today launched a fully Wi-Fi-enabled bus fleet, benefiting nearly 50,000 passengers each day.
Bus riders will now be able to stay connected without tapping into their own data plans thanks to this partnership. HART expects that adding free high speed Wi-Fi to their 187-bus-fleet will prove to be popular with the tech-savvy millennial crowd, many who attend college in the area and are frequent riders. The bus routes extend throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.
"Innovation is a key theme of the year for HART," said HART CFO Jeff Seward, "and we are proud to have teamed up with UDT to find new and innovative ways to further improve our passengers' experience."
Installation began in February at an aggressive pace during non-peak hours and is just the beginning of a comprehensive "smart" card program that HART plans to roll out later this year, allowing passengers to travel the HART network using their smartphones. Wi-Fi-enabled busses will be marked with decals to let passengers know how to connect to the network, where they will remain connected for two hours per bus.
"Being a Florida-based company, we feel a huge commitment to our communities and are proud to make a difference in Hillsborough County," said Jesus Peña, EVP of Sales and Services at UDT. "Our slogan is 'Accomplish More' and this new network will help Hillsborough residents do just that by enabling increased productivity during their commutes."
According to a 2013 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) survey, fully leveraging technology, including Wi-Fi, allows transit riders to be more spontaneous and helps undercut one key competitive advantage of cars.
About UDT
United Data Technologies Inc. (UDT), named one of the 50 fastest growing IT firms in the U.S. by Everything Channel, is a leading provider of high-performance technology solutions in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. UDT is dedicated to helping our customers maximize their investments in IT by reducing the risks, costs and complexity of deploying next generation technology (RC2). UDT partners with top-tier leaders in the industry to provide the latest products, from personal computing, audiovisual infrastructure to customized solutions. At UDT, we believe that your IT experience should always help you "accomplish more." Learn more by visiting www.udtonline.com.
United Data Technologies (UDT) is a registered trademark and/or trademark of United Data Technologies, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions.
About HART
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) was created in October of 1979 to plan, finance, acquire, construct, operate and maintain mass transit facilities and supply transportation in Hillsborough County. Today, HART takes you there through convenient and innovative public transportation options tailored to contemporary lifestyles. More people than ever in Hillsborough County are discovering benefits of our sophisticated, yet accessible and rider-friendly, network of transit options. Whether you are a resident or out-of-town guest, HART routes connect you with the Bay area's best destinations.
