Amtrak has posted an RFQ for WiFi on all its trains. As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day to more than 500 destinations.
In March, Amtrak launched its Wi-Fi Internet service, known as AmtrakConnect (pdf), aboard all 20 high-speed Acela Express trains, in six major stations along the Northeast Corridor, and in all four ClubAcela lounges. Initially offered as a complimentary service, AmtrakConnect is available to every passenger on board Acela Express both in Business and First class seating.
Amtrak reports it has carried 27.2 million passengers over its 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies.
Amtrak currently aggregates mobile-broadband from AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile to provide service on the NE corridor through its contractor, Virginia Beach-based GBS Group, and its wireless vendor, Nomad Digital. Amtrak Acela is the only high speed train service in the United States, attaining speeds up to 150 mph (240 km/h), and this deployment represents a major milestone in North America, says the company.
In California, the initial Wi-Fi unit was installed last September. Last December, all 10 of the Pacific Surfliner Business class cars were outfitted with Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to access the Internet for work or entertainment.
Amtrak estimates that internet access will drive ridership and increase revenue by $4.3 million over the next five years. The company plans to spend an additional $26.2 million to add WiFi to other markets.
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