Wi-fi internet access on 10 buses of Citybus and New World First Bus is up and running.

The wireless installation was announced yesterday at a press conference.

Elaine Chan, a spokeswoman for the companies, said their buses are the first in Hong Kong to offer free internet service.

Mobile phones, laptops, portable gaming devices and PDAs with wireless internet connectivity can all be used.

Chan noted that Hong Kong has already benefited from a government-financed wi-fi network available in many parts of the city.

The wi-fi access, she said, addresses passengers' needs for real-time communication and makes rides more enjoyable.

The 10 buses are marked on the outside, and they are running on routes 2, 2A and 8, airport buses A11 or A12, and cross-harbor tunnel routes 101, 104, 106, 111, 112 and 116.

The bus companies got permission from the Transport Department to run the wi-fi buses for three months, she said.

Subject to customer response, the companies will consider extending the service to more buses.

The cost of the project is being paid for by sponsors, Chan said, so it won't be passed on to customers through rate increases.

(HK Edition 11/18/2008 page1)