WiFi to Ride Rails and Waves

In California, the Canadian company PointShot Wireless will test WiFi wireless internet service on a commuter train from Stockton to San Jose according to this CNet article. The service will be free during the test from mid-September for three months. The service is called RailPoint and PointShot hopes the test will lead to installation on trains nationwide.

Last week the ferry service beween Alameda and San Francisco began providing WiFi service for commuters according to this Computerworld article. Further north in Washington, the Washington State Ferry system plans to test WiFi on several of its Puget Sound ferries in November.

While ferries offer technical challenges, trains are a natural vehicle for WiFi service. Internet accessibility could make the difference for many in choosing trains over planes for short trips. I know we would definitely use Amtrak's Acela Express more frequently along the northeast corridor. A trip, while longer time-wise, would be much more productive as well as comfortable. [Dana Baggett]