AmtrakConnect® cellular-based Wi-Fi service is coming to Amtrak trains in Michigan, with the state becoming the first in the Midwest to bring this amenity to all its rail passengers. The state’s Transportation Commission approved the contract last week.

AmtrakConnect takes advantage of 4G technologies to improve performance and enhance the passenger experience. Unlike some other transportation modes, AmtrakConnect combines signals from multiple cellular providers to provide the best mobile experience possible.

“We place a strong focus on improving customer satisfaction, and this service is delivering the speeds and connectivity required to maintain a competitive edge,” said Lenetta McCampbell, Amtrak Senior Director, Passenger Experience.

McCampbell explained AmtrakConnect is provided at no cost to passengers and routinely supports between 30 and 50 percent of passengers on a given train. Service in Michigan is expected in early 2014.

“The installation of Wi-Fi service on Amtrak trains in Michigan makes passenger rail travel more attractive, efficient and productive throughout the state,” said Tim Hoeffner, director of the MDOT Office of Rail. “We are proud Michigan is the first Midwestern state to offer Wi-Fi service on all its Amtrak lines.”

The onboard demand for data continues to grow. To maximize the Wi-Fi experience for passengers, data-heavy activities that can slow everyone down, such as streaming video and music, and file downloads larger than 10MB, are restricted. This ensures high-volume data users onboard the train are not able to degrade the experience for others.

About 75 percent of Amtrak passengers already Enjoy the Journey® with free Wi-Fi service and additional expansions are likely in the coming months