Most people don’t live where they work, at least that’s what I would think.  Some people work across the lake, some work in different states, some work only blocks away.  People have to commute to work, and they use various modes of transportation.  Plane, train, automobile, bus, motorcycle or even a bicycle.  I live about 7 blocks away from work, so my commute is pretty much non-existant, and I don’t have too many options besides the 2 feet attached to me.  (It’s up a big hill so a bicycle isn’t really worth the effort).  Depending on costs of time, money, and effort people choose a specific method.  I am writing this post via Cingular’s HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) network (coverage map) or their EDGE network, and I have already accomplished 3 work related tasks, checked in with my girlfriend, and checked out some news.  It is so great that I think this changes my needs!  I NEED to have this kind of internet access if I ever need to commute to work.

Seattle’s Sounder offers 802.11b/g wireless, but just not on the trains that go to Tacoma yet, but I hope they will do it very soon.  The pilot beta program also has 5 buses that go from Redmond to Seattle on Route 545 that has been running since December.  The Wi-Fi is currently free, and I hope that it stays that way when they continue the program.  If they were smart and wanted to charge, they should offer a commuter rate that ties into your monthly pass.  Anyway, I think this would make a lot of people re-examine their use of automobiles.  I can now work, or play, instead of fighting traffic and have gained time back!

 Anyone know of other cities with commuter sponsored Wi-Fi access points?