Thruway Authority

Free Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi)

Settings | Frequently Asked Questions

Free Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi) access is available to motorists at all 27 Thruway Service Areas conveniently located along the 570-mile superhighway.

The Wi-Fi system provides free Internet access to customers who visit the Service Areas with Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as laptops, tablets, smart phones, and most other Wi-Fi enabled devices that use a standard Internet browser.

Settings

1. What should my settings be?
   
   SSID or wireless network needs to be set to Thruway and the TCP/IP properties must be set to either DHCP or Obtain IP/DNS Automatically.
   
   Please Note…
   The wireless client may detect other networks in the area. Please be sure to select the Thruway network.
   
   
2. How should my browser be configured to establish connection? Internet Explorer example as follows:
   
   Customers should verify that they are not using a proxy server:
   1. From the TOOLS menu, click on INTERNET OPTIONS
   2. Click on the CONNECTIONS tab and then the LAN SETTINGS button
   3. Verify that the following items are not checked:
      • USE AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION SCRIPT
      • USE A PROXY SERVER FOR YOUR LAN
   4. Verify the Temporary Internet Files setting:
      • From the TOOLS menu, click on INTERNET OPTIONS
      • From the Internet Options GENERAL TAB, click the SETTINGS button located under the Temporary Internet File heading
      • Verify that the setting for CHECK FOR NEWER VERSIONS OF STORED PAGES is set to EVERY VISIT TO THE PAGE

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Wi-Fi?
   
   Wi-Fi, which is short for wireless fidelity, allows a customer with a Wi-Fi enabled device to wirelessly connect to the Internet via access points located within the dining sections of all Thruway Travel Plazas.
   
   
2. Is there an access fee?
   
   No. The Thruway Authority (Authority) is providing this service free of charge to all customers.
   
   
3. How do I connect to the Wi-Fi network?
   
   To connect, open your web browser and click accept to the security alert. The Authority’s Disclaimer page will then appear on your screen. Click the accept button to confirm your acceptance of terms. You will then be redirected to the Authority’s Wi-Fi Welcome page.
   
   
4. What equipment do I need?
   
   You need a Wi-Fi enabled device running a standard Internet browser.
   
   
5. Which wireless standards will work on the Authority’s network?
   
   The Authority’s Wi-Fi network supports 802.11 a/b/g wireless standards.
   
   
6. Can I use my VPN software?
   
   Most Virtual Private Network (VPN) software configured to obtain a TCP/IP address from a DHCP server should work.
   
   
7. What does it mean when I see the Disclaimer page over and over? 
   
   If the customer’s browser is set to cache (store) web pages, they may encounter this problem. To resolve the problem, the customer should verify the temporary Internet files setting using the following steps:
   
   From the TOOLS menu, click on INTERNET OPTIONS
   From the Internet Options GENERAL TAB:
   
   1. Click on the SETTINGS button located under the Temporary Internet Files heading
   2. Verify that the setting for CHECK FOR NEWER VERSIONS OF STORED PAGES is set to EVERY VISIT TO THE PAGE
      
      
8. What does it mean when I see the message: “This site has been blocked due to content”?
   
   The web site the customer has requested has been blocked by the Authority’s web filtering software. The Authority reserves the right to filter content that may be inappropriate for the general viewing public at Thruway Service Areas. To return to the last known web page, click on the browser’s back or arrow button.
   
   
9. Why do I get Security Certificate alerts?
   
   Due to the fact that the Authority hosts its own Security Certificate, customers may receive security alerts. In order to proceed with the Wi-Fi connection, customers will need to select one of the following options:
   
   For IE6 and earlier – select YES at the Do you want to proceed? Message
   For IE7 and Later - select CONTINUE TO THIS WEBSITE
   
   
10. Where can I get help?
    
    Customers experiencing difficulties connecting to the Authority’s Wi-Fi, should contact Wi-Fi’s AUTOMATED VOICE RESPONSE SYSTEM, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: (866) 542-WiFi (9434)
    
    Please Note…
    The Service Area staff will not be able to assist customers with technical problems related to Wi-Fi. For assistance, please call the Authority’s Automated Voice Response System number.
    
    
11. How do I contact the Authority if I have a comment or question?
    
    To contact the Authority with comments, suggestions or ask a question, please use the online contact form.

For more complex issues regarding the Wi-Fi card and its software configuration, customers should consult their owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s customer support number directly.

Traveler Services