BART and CCJPA Select Four Firms for Broadband Wireless Internet Tests on High-Speed Trains

June 29, 2006

BART/Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), the manager of the Capitol Corridor intercity passenger train, have selected four proposers to help them take the next big step toward providing fast mobile broadband services on trains. Bandwidth intensive applications that will be tested via the limited trial networks include Internet, email, Virtual Private Network (VPN) access, video downloads and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to their riders' laptops, PDAs and cell phones, all available while the Capitol Corridor train is moving at full speed between Auburn and San Jose. Results of the initial technical trials will lead toward a fast-track procurement of a system-wide network, a process that is being watched by passenger rail providers around the world.

A Request for Information (RFI) was released by CCJPA on March 23, 2006 that asked the wireless industry to offer their best ideas and concepts. Eleven proposals were received and four were selected to participate in the tests. The four participating companies are:

- Concourse Communications (Wireless developers in 11 major U.S. Airports.)
- Earthlink (Winning proposer for WiFi networks in San Francisco, Philadelphia, etc.)
- Nomad Digital (Operator of the Brighton to London wireless network)
- ATCI (Leading a consortium to deliver bi-directional satellite internet service)

CCJPA believes these technical trials will demonstrate the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of a broadband network along the railway that can support bandwidth-intensive, real-time applications. Wi-Fi will provide connectivity within the train to riders, train staff and remote devices. Wi-Fi traffic will be backhauled to base stations along the tracks or via satellite.

CCJPA will work with the proposers to install and test their own networks and equipment, at their own expense, on sections suitable for testing along Capitol Corridor's 171 miles service area. CCJPA will supply rail cars for the equipment (working with Caltrans, the owner of the rail equipment), room in the various stations for more equipment and collaborate to ensure that their needs for the technical trials are met. The trials will be conducted through December 2006.

Some of the services that the broadband network will support are:

- Web browsing
- Email access
- VPN access to corporate networks
- File upload and download
- VoIP to place and receive voice calls over the Internet
- High-speed video and audio streaming
- Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) surveillance and monitoring to ensure safety on trains
- Electronic ticketing and management of passenger information
- Transmission of train diagnostic information.

At the end of the test period, the CCJPA will use the trial results to form the basis for a competitive bid process (slated for the first quarter of 2007) to build a state-of-the-art network that serves the entire Capitol Corridor. Major transit agencies throughout California and the United States have already contacted CCJPA, and will be monitoring closely the progress of the technical tests.

Eugene Skoropowski, the CCJPA Managing Director, says, "We were genuinely surprised and gratified by the large number of qualified proposals that we received from major wireless industry members. It was a tough process narrowing the field to four qualified participants. We continue to believe there will be incredible benefits from this type of broadband mobile network for our riders and our daily train operations."