Wifi Revolution

Lieutenant Governor Murray announced in Boston that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will be launching a pilot program to provide free WiFi services on the Worcester-Framingham Commuter Rail Line.

 

The project, titled WiFi (News - Alert) Commuter Rail Connect, would enable commuters traveling from or towards South Station to access the Internet with their laptop computers, mobile phones, PDAs or any other WiFi devices.

 

Commenting on the launch of the pilot project, Lieutenant Governor Murray said in the press release, “This is an important first step in our commitment to improve commuter services throughout the Commonwealth. I commend the MBTA and General Manager Grabauskas on their efforts to get this pilot program up and running.”

 

The successful launch of the program is due to sustained efforts by the Lieutenant Governor from when he was the Mayor of Worcester. He worked with the MBTA highlighting the fact that WiFi service would actually enhance connectivity and productivity of the workforce when on the move in Massachusetts.

 

As per the Worcester-Framingham Line pilot program all inbound and outbound commuter trains will be provided with at least one passenger coach which is WiFi ready. MBTA plans to put up signs on more than 40 coaches indicating that a coach has a wireless router installed in it or that it is WiFi ready.

 

MBTA proposes to offer this service on other Commuter Rail Lines occasionally by shifting coaches between lines to satisfy all commuters. Further MBTA assured that at least one coach would be WiFi ready on all 41 weekday trains on the Worcester-Framingham Line.

 

Daniel A. Grabauskas, General Manager of MBTA said, “One of the first programs of this type on a United States commuter rail system, this service will provide our customers with the opportunity to get the most out of their time spent commuting.”

 

Commenting on the efficacy of the test program, he said, “During this test phase, feedback from our riders will be solicited to help us maximize the technology’s benefits, and then expand the program to other parts of the 13-line Commuter Rail system.”

 

The Worcester-Framingham Commuter Rail Line is forty-five miles long passing through 10 communities and 17 stations. More than 18,000 passengers would benefit from the new initiative per weekday said MBTA in the news release.

 

 

 

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