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Major US Train Company Starts Offering WiFi On-Board
(02 Mar 2010, BWCS Staff)Amtrak has launched free WiFi-delivered internet access on all 20 of its Acela Express trains which run up and down the East Coast Corridor between Washington DC and Boston. The train operator is also providing WiFi coverage for its passengers at the six major stations along the route. The new AmtrakConnect, service is available to every passenger on board Acela Express both in Business and First class seating. Whilst the service is free for the moment, Amtrak is reserving the right to charge for it in the future, once an introductory period is over.
In a statement, Matt Hardison, chief of sales distribution and customer service at the train operator said, "AmtrakConnect delivers the fast, reliable and consistent connectivity that our customers have been asking for." He also noted that the on-board WiFi system typically outperforms mobile data dongles and smart phones.
In addition to the trains, Amtrak has launched WiFi services for its passengers within the gate areas of Washington Union Station, Baltimore Penn Station, Philadelphia 30th Street Station, New York Penn Station, Providence Station and Route 128 Station in Boston. The company pointed out that Wilmington Station in Delaware will be WiFi-equipped once major renovations are completed in early 2011.
Amtrak said it plans to improve the service as WiFi technology evolves, and will continue to look at opportunities to expand AmtrakConnect to additional routes and stations throughout the country.
The US train operator will be one of many from all over the world attending this summer's WiFi on Trains conference hosted by BWCS in June. For further information please contact Ross Parsons ([email protected] ).
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