Travelers at Baltimore Penn Station can now enjoy improved high-speed broadband Wi-Fi, with enhanced connectivity and reliability. The newly-implemented Wi-Fi solution involves the replacement of technology that has been in service since 2010. Baltimore Penn Station is one of two stations across Amtrak’s national network, including Chicago Union Station, chosen to pilot these upgrades.
“These improvements are a much-anticipated boost for our customers as the wireless connectivity in-station should be similar to what customers experience on their home networks, and will ensure they stay connected throughout their journey,” said Jason Molfetas, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “Baltimore Penn is the eighth busiest station in our national network so it was a natural fit to pilot the Wi-Fi improvements to the city’s thousands of daily commuters and local students.”
Launch of the upgraded in-station Wi-Fi also includes two new high-top work space tables in the station’s main hall. The 30-inch tables include charging outlets and will allow Penn Station customers to work with greater ease while waiting for their trains and connections.
In addition, customers will see a custom AmtrakConnect website featuring relevant Baltimore Penn Station content such as real-time arrivals and departures and information on local transit connections and parking. The site will also provide customers with information about neighboring restaurants and tourism opportunities.
Accessing In-Station Wi-Fi
To access the complimentary service, customers simply select AmtrakConnect from the list of options on their smartphones, tablets or laptop computers. Once selected, customers must agree to the terms and conditions to gain access to the service.
To see a full list of wireless-enabled stations and train routes across the Amtrak national network, please visit: https://www.amtrak.com/journey-with-wi-fi-train-station.
Amtrak Next-Generation Technology Solutions
These new technology solutions highlight Amtrak’s continued commitment to delivering the very best Wi-Fi service in terms of capacity, performance and operational reliability, all at no additional cost to our customers. Last fall, Amtrak installed a next-generation Wi-Fi solution on Acela Express trains, reaching speeds up to six times faster. Amtrak is also working to implement upgrades on the remainder of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) fleet, including all Northeast Regional trains. Additionally, Amtrak is continuing construction of a dedicated trackside wireless network, which could ultimately stretch from Washington, D.C. to Boston and would reduce reliance on cellular-based networks.
Baltimore Penn Station Upgrades
The Wi-Fi upgrades are among numerous recent station improvement projects aimed at enhancing the customer experience and rehabilitating the 106-year-old station. During the past six years, Amtrak, Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), the City of Baltimore, and neighborhood partners have invested more than $20 million in immediate improvements. Amtrak is also seeking a master developer partner to transform the station and surrounding property into a vibrant, transit-oriented neighborhood. In November, Amtrak announced a “short list” of teams that will compete to be selected as Master Developer, and is on track to announce its final selection this summer.
(Source: Amtrak)
