news MTA Quietly Begins Testing Wi-Fi Service in Subway Cars

[pjbr40]

 

In our wired world, much of the city's sprawling subway system is maddeningly offline. Riders can occasionally catch a signal as their trains rumble beneath the streets, but most of the time, the internet is out of reach.

"I think they should improve the system so you can have the Wi-Fi inside," said one commuter.

But now, the MTA has begun testing whether to fully enter the internet age, installing Wi-Fi on four cars along the E line. The test, though, is being done on the sly. There are no signs announcing the service. It came as a surprise when NY1 told straphangers in the test cars.

 

Read more: Source

[peacemak3r]

Sounds like more incoming theft reports if this passes tests.

 

Not saying I don't take my phone out with WiFi, I only really use it if my train doesn't come in a substantially long time/delayed.

[ttcsubwayfan]

I don't understand why we need WiFi everywhere.

[MysteriousBtrain]

I don't understand why we need WiFi everywhere.

You can thank our generation for relying on things like Snapchat, phone calls, video games, etc. Not that I think WiFi is unnecessary everywhere, but some places it's like "ehh, is it really necessary?"

[HenryB]

I wonder it includes cellular signal or not. To me it seems to be more important than wifi.

[pjbr40]

I don't understand why we need WiFi everywhere.

most wifi are free. If it it free, i used it.

It best to use free wifi because when you search thing on cell phone , your data timer kick in. Most cell phone have certain data time allowance. Wifi can take that pressure off. However there some wifi have little restriction using certain app. 

[Lance]

I have three main questions regarding this:

 

1) How would this be funded? Are the cars already equipped with the capability for WiFi service like the buses or would this be something that would have to be installed? Also, would they attempt this in-house or contract it out like they've done with in-station WiFi? Let's face it, their in-house attempts usually leave a lot to be desired.

 

2) How would this be expanded to the older fleet? I'd imagine implementation of WiFi on the trains would come after the retirement of the 32s and 42s and possibly the 46s, but that still leaves at least 1,700 cars around. That doesn't account for whether the 142s and 143s are even wired for WiFi in the first place.

 

3) Would the MTA ever think about using this for real-time status updates? Or at least news and weather like the PA-5s. Those On-the-Go displays scattered around the system still show scheduled arrivals despite real-time arrival information being readily available. I'd like to at least see correct transfers on the FINDs when certain lines aren't running.

[Around the Horn]

3) Would the MTA ever think about using this for real-time status updates? Or at least news and weather like the PA-5s. Those On-the-Go displays scattered around the system still show scheduled arrivals despite real-time arrival information being readily available. I'd like to at least see correct transfers on the FINDs when certain lines aren't running.

^THIS.

 

If the WiFi is unable to include these provisions then there is no point IMO.

[ttcsubwayfan]

You can thank our generation for relying on things like Snapchat, phone calls, video games, etc. Not that I think WiFi is unnecessary everywhere, but some places it's like "ehh, is it really necessary?"

 

Not that I hate technology, and I'm not one of those who think that technology is killing society or anything, but if people can't go without being on the internet for an hour, they need to rethink their life.

[peacemak3r]

I wonder it includes cellular signal or not. To me it seems to be more important than wifi.

 

A lot of phones these days include the WiFi-calling feature, but I'm sure not everyone has it as well.

[B46 via Utica]

Hope they provide the best service possible to T-Mobile at least it's a pain in the ass dealing with my phone with Wi-Fi.

most wifi are free. If it it free, i used it.

It best to use free wifi because when you search thing on cell phone , your data timer kick in. Most cell phone have certain data time allowance. Wifi can take that pressure off. However there some wifi have little restriction using certain app.

 

I have three main questions regarding this:

 

1) How would this be funded? Are the cars already equipped with the capability for WiFi service like the buses or would this be something that would have to be installed? Also, would they attempt this in-house or contract it out like they've done with in-station WiFi? Let's face it, their in-house attempts usually leave a lot to be desired.

 

2) How would this be expanded to the older fleet? I'd imagine implementation of WiFi on the trains would come after the retirement of the 32s and 42s and possibly the 46s, but that still leaves at least 1,700 cars around. That doesn't account for whether the 142s and 143s are even wired for WiFi in the first place.

 

3) Would the MTA ever think about using this for real-time status updates? Or at least news and weather like the PA-5s. Those On-the-Go displays scattered around the system still show scheduled arrivals despite real-time arrival information being readily available. I'd like to at least see correct transfers on the FINDs when certain lines aren't running.

 

The MTA is already testing the technology out for equipping Wi-Fi in subway cars in think this can answer your question.

 

http://abc7ny.com/technology/mta-testing-technology-to-bring-wi-fi-to-subway-cars/1368522/

[Javier]

What's the set number that has ei-fi?

[HenryB]

3) Would the MTA ever think about using this for real-time status updates? Or at least news and weather like the PA-5s. Those On-the-Go displays scattered around the system still show scheduled arrivals despite real-time arrival information being readily available. I'd like to at least see correct transfers on the FINDs when certain lines aren't running.

 

 

Agree. They could at least use that small LCD for service status instead of those BS showing on that screen now 

[I love Trains99]

Oh boy. Once you get Wi-Fi in subway cars and in every station, you going to see many people taking selfies on the train. They are going to be extremely glued to their phones desperate for a text. I don't think the MTA should work on WI-FI in subway cars. 

[MysteriousBtrain]

Oh boy. Once you get Wi-Fi in subway cars and in every station, you going to see many people taking selfies on the train. They are going to be extremely glued to their phones desperate for a text. I don't think the MTA should work on WI-FI in subway cars.

You know, there are already people taking selfies on the train. Sometimes on my Snapchat, I would see some girls doing a pose or recording performers while on the train. Pretty sure that WiFi would be kind of pointless on the train when you can share your story at the next station.

[LTA1992]

I think this is testing technology for the R211. I do remember East New York saying they'd be the first "wired" subway cars on the system.

 

I look forward to the results.

[Porter]

WiFi would be wonderful! Maybe it'll get half the people to shut the hell up on the train.

[Union Tpke]

WiFi would be wonderful! Maybe it'll get half the people to shut the hell up on the train.

 

Then, people's stupid videos will be blaring in the car and people won't pay attention to their surroundings. I see this all the time. A person is staring at their device and they don't notice until the doors are closing and they delay the train. Idiots.

[Porter]

Then, people's stupid videos will be blaring in the car and people won't pay attention to their surroundings. I see this all the time. A person is staring at their device and they don't notice until the doors are closing and they delay the train. Idiots.

 

Isn't it the rule that people have to use headphones?

[ttcsubwayfan]

Yes.

 

Whether people follow them is a different issue.

[CenSin]

How is this compatible with “do not display cellphones or other electronic devices”?

[LTA1992]

It's compatible because at the end of the day, it's my responsibility and if my stuff gets taken, I can only blame myself.

[Cait Sith]

On a sidenote, I notice some of the older R160s(8713-8722 to be exact) on the N and Q with cameras built next to the interior display signs. How long has that been going for?

[Around the Horn]

On a sidenote, I notice some of the older R160s(8713-8722 to be exact) on the N and Q with cameras built next to the interior display signs. How long has that been going for?

I think that was a test since day one...

[Cait Sith]

I think that was a test since day one...

Day one of what? Because those cars never had them when they were new. Definitely never had them between 2008 and 2010!

 

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