SkyTrain tunnel gets high speed internet

SkyTrain commuterscan now call 911, dial a friend or catch a Jigglypuffas they tear through Dunsmuir tunnel from Stadium-Chinatown to Waterfront.

The catch: you have to be a Rogers or Fido customer.

"It's up to other wireless carriers to work with Rogers and with TransLink to connect to the system and offer the service to their customers," said Rogers spokeswomanLisa Rossington in an emailto CBC.

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While not everyone hasaccess to the tunnel's high-speed wireless coverage, all riders can dial911 regardless of their carrier. Passengers that need help can also use the trains' two-way speaker phone that connects to SkyTrain control, or the yellow strips above every window.

"It's a silent alarm that alertsSkyTraincontrol," saidTranslinkrepresentativeChrisBryan."You know, if there'ssomething happening and you don't want to make a big fuss about it."

Rossington says Rogers is still working onone lastcorridor with wireless dead spots: thestretch of track that links Edmonds, New Westminster and Columbia SkyTrain stops.