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Train Surfing

A “proof of concept” for wireless broadband on Caltrain commuter rail service has been successfully completed. With continuous high-speed Internet access at train speeds of 79 mph over 16 miles of track between the Millbrae and Palo Alto stations, this makes Caltrain the first rail service in the U.S. to provide broadband services.

For some time, Caltrain has been seeking technology solutions for providing high-speed wireless access that would give Caltrain passengers uninterrupted Internet links onboard moving trains. Sensoria, together with Nomad Digital and Redline enabled commuters to utilize WiFi connections inside the train.

Caltrain runs from San Francisco through the heart of Silicon Valley. The proof of concept was deemed a success when multiple people surfed the Internet simultaneously, watched streaming video, answered e-mail and completed a large file download all while maintaining continuous connectivity at broadband speed.

Redline provided a seamless broadband wireless backbone based on WiMAX technology (IEEE 802.16-2004) using their AN-50e which operates in the license exempt 5.470 - 5.725 GHz and 5.725 - 5.825 GHz bands.
Nomad provided its innovative mobile communication system which links the train to trackside wireless base stations, with radios located every few miles along the rail line.
Sensoria’s EnRoute500 wireless mesh routers provide WiFi connectivity inside the train.

With the proof of concept successfully completed, Caltrain will continue work on engineering that’s required before the wireless access can be implemented along the entire rail mainline.

The Mercury News reports wireless access has also been offered in a limited way on Altamont Commuter Express between Stockton and San Jose and on a handful of Capitol Corridor train cars. Bay Area Rapid Transit is also looking into the possibilities of offering it to riders.

The Capitol Corridor began testing a satellite connection service on its 171-mile route but has since decided that the technology is outdated, said Jim Allison, a principal planner with the authority.

The authority plans to test four different technologies, including the same one that Caltrain is using, and pick among them.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority plans to install wireless Internet access at bus stops, reports the Washington Business Journal.

The bidding companies would recoup their investments by charging for services or selling online ads. The transit agency would share in the revenue and provide riders with up-to-the-minute information on bus and train service.

Public Transportation is using a variety of technology:

The LYNX transit system in Central Florida has equipped six buses with on-board wireless Internet that allows passengers with wireless-equipped laptops to read on-line news, shop by computer, check e-mail and instant-message with friends. Viasys is installing 33 Tropos 5110 radios along the 14 mile route to Disney World and Tropos 4110 radio on each bus.
AC Transit buses in Oakland, California are become rolling Internet cafes. It uses a cellular backbone. Wi-Fi-equipped buses will some day pave the way for other enhancements such as GPS mapping services that allow passengers to go on-line to find nearby stores and restaurants.
Virgin Trains, in the UK, has opted for WiMax to connect passengers. Virgin will experiment with the long range broadband wireless standard on its west coast mainline service, with the first installation already completed on a Pendolino train. Virgin signed up QinetiQ Rail to provide wireless connectivity for travellers using a mix of wi-fi, HSDPA, pre-standard WiMax and satellite technology.
In England, all 30 of GNER’s electric “Mallard” trains running between Edinburgh and London are WiFi equipped. The east coast main line operator plans to create Britain’s first all Wi-Fi train fleet, and is well ahead of its May 2007 completion date.
In New York, HopStop.com provides directions throughout the city using most forms of public transit. Trips123.com, sponsored by a consortium of 16 public transportation and law enforcement agencies in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut provide detailed itineraries on dozens of public and private carriers across the region and PublicRoutes.com, which went online in June and provides directions by knitting together various modes of public transit throughout much of Long Island, New Jersey and southern New York State.
WiBro on a bus was demonstrated by South Korea’s biggest telecom carrier, KT. The buses aren’t anything special - it’s just that WiBro’s broadband wireless system works inside one. About 150 base stations now support the service in Seoul. The broadband wireless network, a precursor to Mobile WiMAX, is expected to expand to between 700 and 1,000 transmitters by the fourth quarter this year.
Japanese “bullet trains” will get WiFi while traveling at 300kph — in 2009.