Amtrak extends free Wi-Fi on Acela trains

Amtrak said today it was making permanent an experiment of offering free Wi-Fi service on its Acela premium-fare trains in the Northeast Corridor. The railroad said it was taking bids for extending the AmtrakConnect service to other routes, and plans to have available on its California trains this fall.

Since March 1, when the service was first activated, 39 percent of Acela passengers have tried it and three-quarters said they were pleased with it, Amtrak said in a statement. AmtrakConnect also is available in gate areas of major NEC stations, including 30th Street in Philadelphia.