Wireless Technology on Trains
 Read about Wi-Fi and CCIT
Download documents related to a Request for Information (RFI) for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA)
Download Images from Capitol Corridor
Download Wi-Fi Expert Panel Documents
 Wi-Fi on Trains
Wireless Fidelity, commonly known as “Wi-Fi,” allows portable devices, like laptops, to connect to the Internet via an access point. The access point uses radio signal to create a wireless network to cover an area called a “hot spot.” Wi-Fi hotspots are being added to areas convenient to potential users, such as passenger trains. Beyond creating a more productive and pleasurable traveling environment, Wi-Fi on trains can improve train safety, security, and efficiency.
CCIT provides operation support for ongoing research and field operation tests of Wi-Fi on inter-city rail. CCIT is also developing a decision framework for selecting wireless Internet access vendors on behalf of customers riding the three California State sponsored Intercity Rail services. In addition, CCIT held an expert panel to validate and improve the decision framework. Based on the inputs from the panel experts, CCIT is supporting Capitol Corridor Joint Power Authority (CCJPA) to conduct a Request for Information (RFI) to enlist industry solution partners to conduct technical trial.
For an ITS technology to be adopted, it must work consistently and be cost-effective. Wi-Fi has already been implemented at many airports and in some railways. CCIT looked at existing Wi-Fi deployments, both nationally and internationally, to research technology options and business models to create and evaluate several potential business plans.
Wi-Fi has potentially broad applications for improving train operations and security. CCIT is researching and analyzing these applications. This network complements a grant from the department of Homeland Security to improve train security.
As shown in the adjacent diagram, laptops and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) work by accessing radio, cell phone towers or satellites.
Wi-Fi on trains will attract new rail riders and reduce congestion and pollution in the region, enhance regional rail system security and increase productivity and efficiency.
This project is coordinated with a related project in France as part of the CCIT CalFrance Collaboration, which will allow information and staff exchanges as necessary. Also, the Central Japan Railway Company is supporting an exchange of information and scholars.
Request for Information (RFI) for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA)
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) and its management and operating office for the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) are inviting national and international wireless carriers, equipment vendors, system integrators, enterprise solution providers and other members of the telecommunications community to assist these agencies in evaluating solutions for a wireless broadband network that operates in a transit environment. CCJPA is eliciting proposals for technical trials, sponsored and funded by the proposers, to be conducted from July to December, 2006.
Capitol Corridor
RFI Data:
Images from Capitol Corridor:
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Image10 -Testbed Corridor 2
Image 11-Testbed Corridor 2
Image 12-Testbed Corridor 3
Image 14-Testbed Corridor 3
WiFi Expert
Panel December 8, 2005
Breakout Session One: Business and Infrastructure Protection:
Expert Panels Suggested Tentative Questions and Points for Discussion
Business Discussion Handout
Business Discussion Notes
Breakout Session Two: Wireless Technology:
WiFi Technical Questions
Technical Topics for Discussion
WiFi Technical Recommendations
Technical Notes
Homeland Security Topics for Discussion |
