Wifi Revolution

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has included Parvus RiderNet3 mobile access points in a WiFi pilot program, reportedly the nation's first cellular-based wireless Internet service for commuter rail.

 

The MBTA “Wi-Fi Commuter Rail Connect Test Program” is now offering free wireless Internet service on at least one coach of every train traveling the 45-mile commuter rail line between Worcester and Boston. The Authority has decided to initially equip forty-five coaches with the service, which will enable the line's 18,000 daily passengers to use laptop computers, cellular phones, PDAs, or other WiFi (News - Alert)-enabled devices to access the internet during their commutes to and from South Station on participating coaches.

 

MBTA general manager Daniel Grabauskas said in a statement that this is one of the first programs of this type on a United States commuter rail system. He explained that this service will provide customers with the opportunity to get the most out of time spent commuting.

 

During this test phase, feedback from test riders will be solicited to help maximize the technology's benefits; the program will then be expanded to other parts of the 13-line commuter rail system.

 

Parvus pointed out that WiFi amenities on buses and trains are becoming more common. Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray recently announced that the MBTA was ready to launch this pilot program. A Worcester Telegram & Gazette report quoted Murray saying said that this is an important first step in the organiztion’s commitment to improve commuter rail services throughout the commonwealth.

 

“I believe this is a great opportunity for Massachusetts because we are a high-tech state and pride ourselves on our well-educated work force,” Murray was quoted as saying in the report. “This allows that connectivity to take place and encourages and incentivizes people to take the train as well.”

 

Parvus Director of Transportation Programs Andrew Hunt said that the organization is  looking forward to supporting MBTA throughout the trial and into the future as it explores advanced wireless technologies to support increasing user demands and bandwidth requirements.

 

Hunt explained that RiderNet was uniquely designed for the needs of mass transit operators and continues to prove itself a cost-effective and reliable solution for bringing high-speed Internet access to passengers nationwide.

 

Parvus Corporation is a provider of rugged hardware platforms to the military, transportation, homeland security and medical device industries.

 

 

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