Faster Wi-Fi Could Come to Commuter Rail, Ferry Service

The MBTA wants to upgrade its wireless Internet service, but without spending precious tax dollars.

The Boston area transit system is seeking sponsorship proposals to provide upgraded wi-fi service on commuter rail cars, ferries and select commuter rail stations, according to an MBTA press statement in early March.

“The MBTA’s goal is to upgrade the current WIFI service to a system wide, state of the art standard, at no cost to the MBTA and its riders,” the statement says.

The sponsorship opportunity would provide the sponsor with marketing rights such as “signage and advertising in commuter rail stations, cars and ferry facilities; corporate presence on MBTA commuter rail system maps and schedules; control of a WIFI landing page; links on the MBTA website; and intellectual property rights,” according to the statement.

Proposal documents are available through Transit Realty Associates, a management consulting firm.

The MBTA launched a wi-fi pilot program in 2008, which is used by thousands of riders a day, the statement says.

Do you use the MBTA's wi-fi on the commuter rail? Would you like to seen an upgrade? Tell us in the comments. 

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