Politics & Government

Faster WiFi Coming to MBTA Commuter Rail Trains

A new faster, state-of-the-art WiFi system will be installed on MBTA commuter rail trains starting this fall.

A faster, state-of-the-art WiFi system is coming to the MBTA’s commuter rail trains at no cost, the agency announced on Thursday morning.

A new license agreement was signed by MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott on Thursday. The T said the new system will be installed on trains throughout the network of 14 commuter rail lines, plus commuter boats and South, North and Back Bay stations.

The $5.6 million system is being built by inMOTION Wireless, Inc. It will both expand and improve the availability and quality of the existing WiFi service, according to the T. Installation work will begin this fall and the system will be in operation within 18 months.

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“This is a very exciting time for our Commuter Rail system,” said Scott. “While the introduction of new locomotives and new coaches will continue to improve on-time performance rates, customer service initiatives like WiFi and eTicketing make the overall commuting experience an even better one.”

The T signed a 22-year license agreement with inMOTION, which will install, operate, and maintain a neutral, private, and dedicated WiFi network.

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T riders will have free access to the internet and a live television feed. Premium WiFi service, which will allow riders to stream data and video, will be sold for $15 per month. The MBTA will get 7.5 percent of net revenue received from the WiFi fees.


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