[wayman]

From Amtrak's Facebook feed:

Quote

AmtrakConnect now available on Acela Express trains and in major Northeast Corridor stations


WASHINGTON – This morning Amtrak launched its Wi-Fi Internet service, known as AmtrakConnectSM 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.

“AmtrakConnect delivers the fast, reliable and consistent connectivity that our customers have been asking for,” said Matt Hardison, Chief, Sales Distribution and Customer Service, noting the on-board Wi-Fi system typically outperforms cellular air cards and smart phones.

Using any laptop computer or other portable device that is Wi-Fi enabled, Amtrak passengers traveling on Acela Express between Washington, D.C. and Boston can connect to the service for general Web surfing and reading email. The system also allows passengers to access their corporate networks through most standard Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions, turning the train trip into productive work time.

In addition, Amtrak is launching AmtrakConnect for all Amtrak 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. Wilmington Station will be Wi-Fi equipped once major station renovations are completed in early 2011. Wi-Fi service continues to be available in all ClubAcela lounges in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

“This is only the first step for our AmtrakConnect program,” says Lenetta McCampbell, Senior Director for On-board Systems. “Amtrak will continually improve the service as Wi-Fi technology evolves, and we are evaluating opportunities to expand AmtrakConnect to additional routes and stations throughout the country.”

AmtrakConnect service on Acela Express trains will remain free of charge during the introductory period, after which the policy will be reviewed based on customer demand and system performance.

AmtrakConnect was deployed on Acela Express by Virginia Beach-based GBS Group and its partner Nomad Digital.

No mention of the public waiting area of Boston South Station. Does it already have Wifi (from the MBTA)?

I wonder if there will be a "free on Acela, pay on Regionals" set-up... or if the Regional service will also be free when it eventually rolls out. We'll just have to wait and see!

This post has been edited by wayman: 01 March 2010 - 08:08 AM

[Ryan]

Yeah, there was some "Union Station is now really a hot spot" advertising all over the place at WAS this morning - I was running late for work and didn't have time to fool with it, but I'll certainly check it out this afternoon.

[AlanB]

Ryan, on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, 08:42 AM, said:

Yeah, there was some "Union Station is now really a hot spot" advertising all over the place at WAS this morning - I was running late for work and didn't have time to fool with it, but I'll certainly check it out this afternoon.

It's probably wise not to fool with the advertising in Union Station. Security may not take kindly to your drawing pictures with a bunch of markers.

[AlanB]

Guest, on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, 05:28 PM, said:

Tony, on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, 08:47 AM, said:

wayman, on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, 08:06 AM, said:

I wonder if there will be a "free on Acela, pay on Regionals" set-up... or if the Regional service will also be free when it eventually rolls out. We'll just have to wait and see!

In another release, it was pointed out that with adding WiFi, it would have to be demonstrated at the end of the introductory period that WiFi itself draws enough increase in revenue to cover its cost.

I am not too sure how one attributes, directly, any changes in ridership to just WiFi, but that is their accountant's headache.

Amtrak has said they were on the road to profit for almost 40 years right? Making wifi seem profitable should be a piece of cake for these guys.

No, only George Warrington said that for about 2 years.

Otherwise, many in Congress have said that and/or demanded that. But Amtrak hasn't been saying that for years.

Amtrak was created because the freight RR's couldn't make a profit. How anyone expects Amtrak to make a profit is beyond me.

That's not saying that Amtrak can't do better, I believe it can. With better management, better contracts, better standards for the employees, and some steady & stable capital funding, I believe that Amtrak could achieve the goal of covering operating expenses. But I don't believe that they can ever cover capital expenses, much less make a profit. Especially when we continue to subsidize all other forms of transit.

[battalion51]

Charging for wi-fi in Amtrak's case probably wouldn't be out of line. As far as I know the airlines are charging (except maybe in First Class or for frequent fliers) because of the tremendous cost of the infrastructure. I'm working at a major full service hotel and I asked why they charge where as most small select service hotels offer it free. The answer was the same, infrastructure. At home or a small roadside hotel you just need a basic router or two. In big hotels you need super fast connections, lots of wiring, maintenance, upgrades, etc., so you have to charge to keep from going broke just trying to provide internet.

[Joel N. Weber II]

battalion51, on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, 10:47 PM, said:

At home or a small roadside hotel you just need a basic router or two. In big hotels you need super fast connections, lots of wiring, maintenance, upgrades, etc., so you have to charge to keep from going broke just trying to provide internet.

But don't the bigger hotels also collect revenue from more rooms?

[battalion51]

Yes you collect more revenue (assuming a comparable occupancy level), but you're also providing more services, a higher quality product, etc. You could theoretically increase rates to cover the cost and say it's free, but not everyone wants or needs internet. If you're just there to do the three S's and rest, you don't want your rate to go up for something you won't use. Full Service hotels have always been a la carte in their pricing strategy, you pay for what you want/need. To some people it's appalling that we don't offer a free breakfast like La Quinta. But not everyone eats breakfast, so why charge for something you don't want? We're not an all inclusive resort, we're catering to the needs of the traveler who wants a personalized experience.

[Ryan]

AlanB, on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, 11:27 AM, said:

Ryan, on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, 08:42 AM, said:

Yeah, there was some "Union Station is now really a hot spot" advertising all over the place at WAS this morning - I was running late for work and didn't have time to fool with it, but I'll certainly check it out this afternoon.

It's probably wise not to fool with the advertising in Union Station. Security may not take kindly to your drawing pictures with a bunch of markers.

Worse than that.....

I TOOK PICTURES!!!! Right in front of the cop stand (across from the Starbucks):

[Joel N. Weber II]

wayman, on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, 09:06 AM, said:

No mention of the public waiting area of Boston South Station. Does it already have Wifi (from the MBTA)?

The MBTA owns Boston South Station. Amtrak owns most if not all of the stations that now have free wireless Internet throughout the station.

[rrdude]

On AE 2100 as I type this, service works GREAT so far. Dang this is long overdue.........

[DowneasterPassenger]

rrdude, on Thu, Mar 4, 2010, 03:58 AM, said:

On AE 2100 as I type this, service works GREAT so far. Dang this is long overdue.........

I just got an IM from a friend via wifi on the train from Toronto to Montreal.

Who has had the first train-to-train wifi chat?

[Nickrapak]

Upon the full roll-out, I think it would be a good idea to have free WiFi for AE first class, and Regional business class, and pay for everyone else. The cost should be priced by day, so that a commuter needs to only purchase WiFi once per day, rather than per trip.

[DivMiler]

Column in The Washington Post online about the new service.