Wireless Access Coming to NJ Transit Trains

NJ Transit train commuters could soon have wireless Internet access on their ride and at the train station.

NJ Transit officials announced Wednesday in a press release they are seeking a provider for wireless broadband Internet service at rail stations and onboard trains. The agency has issued a request for proposals.

"The provision of wireless Internet service would be a welcome amenity for our customers, enabling those who wish to remain connected and productive during their commute to do so continuously," said NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein in a press release.  "We hope to receive responses from qualified wireless service providers to advance our plan to bring the Internet aboard NJ Transit trains in the near future."

A network would allow access to most Internet applications, including web browsing, email access, Virtual Private Network applications, file uploads and downloads and video and audio streaming, according to the press release.

The transit authority is holding a pre-proposal conference on Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. at NJ Transit Headquarters in Newark. The RFP is due by 4 p.m. on Sept. 30. The release states the authority anticipates awarding the contract by the end of the year.

There's already wirelesss access at the Millburn and Short Hills train stations, but it's only available to Comcast and Cablevision customers.