Amtrak today announced that it has launched free wireless Internet service on all 20 Acela Express trains that run along the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., and in all four of its in-station ClubAcela lounges
The AmtrakConnect service initially is offered free to passengers traveling in business and first class seating. After the introductory period, the "policy will be reviewed based on customer demand and system performance," according to a statement..
The rail provider also is launching Wi-Fi service for all passengers within gate areas of stations in Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Providence, New York and Washington, D.C. The Wilmington, Del., station will be Wi-Fi-enabled once renovations are complete in early 2011, according to Amtrak.
ClubAcela lounges are located at stations in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. They are open to first class passengers at no additional charge. In New York, the lounge is also available for Continental Airlines Presidents Club members and Continental first class passengers for same-day travel.
The launch of wireless Internet is ahead of schedule. Amtrak in October announced its plans to implement the service in the second quarter of this year as part of its five-year plan
(BTNonline, Oct. 30, 2009). The rail provider said at the time it plans to expand the Wi-Fi offering to other services, including Northeast Regional trains.