WiFi on Amtrak’s Acela Express trains shifts into faster gear

By Lori Aratani

https://twitter.com/loriara

November 3 at 12:59 PM

Amtrak officials say a recent upgrade will mean faster WiFi for passengers on its popular Acela Express trains.

“This advanced technology solution shifts our onboard WiFi experience into high gear, providing our Acela Express customers with a more satisfying and productive experience throughout their journey,” Lenetta McCampbell, senior director of passenger experience at Amtrak, said in a news release announcing the change. “After thorough testing, we are confident this upgrade will provide a significantly improved service from the moment our customers board the train to the moment they arrive at their destination.”

Amtrak officials said speeds will be up to six times faster. As part of the shift, officials said they’ve replaced technology put into place in 2010. They said upgrades also are coming to all Northeast Regional trains, although they did not offer a timeline for when those would be complete.

Spotty WiFi service has been a longtime beef for travelers along the busy Northeast Corridor. As one frustrated passenger told the New York Times, “It’s like dial-up pretending to be WiFi. You almost expect to hear that sound that AOL used to make when you logged in.”