OAKLAND, Calif.- Passengers on board Capitol Corridor now can stay connected via the Internet while traveling for business or leisure throughout the region. Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) is proud to announce an Internet ready (Wi-Fi) section on board the train for a trial period.
Initially set for a three-month trial, the pilot program will offer Internet access to Capitol Corridor passengers, allowing them first-time high-quality access to email, the Internet, corporate intranets, instant messaging and digital entertainment while in transit. The company is introducing the system to passengers through the utilization of WiFi technology from PointShot Wireless, a developer of wireless solutions for mobile environments including trains, buses and vehicles. The first month in service is scheduled to be free to passengers with the remaining two months available for a nominal fee. Passengers only need a Wi-Fi-enabled laptop computer or PDA to access the broadband wireless service.
The CCJPA may soon equip additional cars with Wi-Fi equipment with other prospective similar Wi-Fi vendors. Before the end of the testing period, Amtrak, the CCJPA and the California Department of Transportation, will develop a proposal for the entire State-funded Intercity Rail services to be equipped with Wi-Fi equipment. The California Department of Transportation partners with Amtrak to provide service on three intercity rail corridors in California including the Capitol Corridor, the San Joaquins and the Pacific Surfliner service.
The UC Berkeley based California Center for Innovative Transportation is also a partner in helping the rail services outfit the entire fleet of California cars in the late fall/early winter of 2004.
The Capitol Corridor began service in December of 1991 under management by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). In July 1998, the management of the service was transferred to the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), who has managed the route for the last nine years. CCJPA oversees the service with day-to-day management support from the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). The CCJPA partners with Amtrak, Union Pacific Railroad, Caltrans and the communities comprising the CCJPA to offer frequent, cost-effective, viable and safe intercity passenger rail service.
Capitol Corridor intercity rail serves 17 stations along a 170-mile rail corridor, and offers a convenient way to travel between the Sierra Foothills, Sacramento, the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley/San Jose. For information call 1-877-9-RIDECC.
Media Contact: Priscilla Kalugdan, Marketing Manager
Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority
(510) 464-6992