California’s Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to seek a firm that will develop and install an advanced wireless network system for its intercity passenger rail system, the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin Intercity Passenger Rail train services.
The project will have five phases:
- Phase 1: Car installation, including a Wi Fi network covering the entire train, wireless and wireline car-to-car connectivity, cellular and wireless broadband (e.g., 4.9 GHz and 5.x GHz) modems and antennas.
- Phase 2: Installation of a Passenger Information System (PIS) that includes outside Light-Emitting Diode (LED) signs, in-car Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) signs, and a Public Announcement (PA) system.
- Phase 3: Construction of a trackside wireless broadband network to transport traffic to and from the trains, including:
- The installation of 4.9 GHz base stations along the tracks outside stations, and of 5.x GHz base stations at stations, along the Capitol Corridor.
- The installation of a 4.9 GHz and 5.x GHz network in Caltrans’ San Joaquin Intercity Passenger Rail Route from Sacramento to Stockton, and from Martinez to Bakersfield, including stations.
- Phase 4: Installation of cameras along the ROW and implementation of video analytics software. The installation of cameras may be developed in cooperation with the UPRR and the BNSF.
- Phase 5: Installation of Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment on cab cars and locomotives, in cooperation with the UPRR and the BNSF.
While the CCJPA is not committed to a specific solution or technology, the CCJPA expects that the Wireless Network will use multiple wireless interfaces (e.g., Wi Fi, WiMAX, HSPA, EV-DO) and spectrum bands (cellular, 2.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz, and 5 GHz to provide full coverage and redundancy.
The fourth annual WiFi on Trains Conference will be held in Central London on the 10th and 11th of June, 2009. Almost every train company worth its salt has trialed or launched WiFi services for passengers. In 2009 new services will appear in India, Japan, Korea, Norway and Finland to add to those already up and running in the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and the US.
