WiFi Coming To California's Capitol Corridor Trains

Amtrak California's Capitol Corridor service will soon be adding WiFi to its list of customer amenities thanks to a $20 billion transportation bond passed by voters four years ago.

February 23, 2011, 10am PST | Irvin Dawid

The Capitol Corridor trains will be joining a handful of others including "Amtrak's Cascades trains between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Eugene, Ore., (that) instituted free WiFi service two weeks ago. Acela Express trains between Boston and Washington, D.C., installed free WiFi last year."

These Amtrak California inter-city trains travel between San Jose and Sacramento/Auburn - they are subsidized by the rail division of Caltrans and managed by BART. The other two Amtrak California rail systems, the San Joaquins and the Pacific Surfliners, are scheduled to offer the service later this yar.

"Funding for the WiFi program comes from $3.75 million in transportation infrastructure bonds approved by state voters in 2006. Installation is expected to take place over the course of this year."

"Internet access is the number one rider-requested amenity," Capitol Corridor Managing Director David Kutrosky said.

The trains already have a well-patronized cafe car, complete with alcohol and discounted BART cards (for ease in transferring to BART at the Richmond station).

Thanks to Patricia Matachek

Full Story:

Capitol Corridor trains to add free WiFi service

Published on Saturday, February 19, 2011 in The Sacramento Bee