News

Amtrak goes choo choo over Internet access

September 12, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Amtrak, the nation's passenger rail service, is preparing to launch an Internet access kiosk trial program for select lines in the Northeast.

Commuters on the rail service's Keystone line, which passes through New York City, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg, Pa., will be able to access the service, which is provided by NRoute Communications. The test will begin in October. Amtrak officials did not say how long the test will run.

Passengers that use the interactive touchscreen units will have limited free access to e-mail, online shopping, and Web sites. Full Internet access and movies will be available on a pay-to-play basis.

NRoute and Amtrak plan to generate revenue from the service through a combination of user fees and advertising. No estimates on startup costs were given, though the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has donated $155,000 to the project, according to The Associated Press.