Caltrain WiFi FAQs

Q: Is there WiFi service on Caltrain?
A: Currently there is no WiFi service provided by Caltrain. There are areas along the rail corridor that pick up other WiFi sources, but these are “hot spots” belonging to private businesses and individuals and connection cannot be maintained on the train. If you have your own cellular WiFi card, it will be able to get a signal on the train, but even then the signal is often interrupted.

Q: Does Caltrain plan to offer WiFi service?
A: In 2006, Caltrain conducted a successful “Proof of Concept” for WiMAX-based broadband wireless internet service along 16 miles of track between Palo Alto and Millbrae. This test proved that Caltrain was able to run consistent broadband service during that whole stretch. Caltrain was the first rail agency in the U.S. to accomplish this.

Since then, Caltrain has conducted a competitive bidding process to find a vendor to install and operate WiFi service. In 2007, two proposals were received, neither of which met Caltrain’s criteria. At this point, the project is on hold indefinitely.

Plans are to incorporate WiFi capabilities into a larger, system-wide communication project in the future. This project will use microwave technology to operate Caltrain’s signal system. A WiFi system could piggyback onto this communication system, a cost-efficient solution which would also provide high-quality service.

01/10/2008 - crd