Metra brings Wi-Fi to downtown stations, preps for onboard service

Metra is now offering Wi-Fi services and electric charging outlets at all five of its downtown Chicago stations, the railroad announced late last week.

The Wi-Fi units cost Metra about $12,000, with monthly service fees for all locations of $1,050.

The commuter railroad also is planning to install Wi-Fi "hotspots" on 11 rail cars as part of a new test program to provide free onboard Internet access to riders. These railcars will be retrofitted with Wi-Fi access before the end of the year, Metra officials said.

Expected to cost $35,000, the pilot will last six months. Once the technology is installed, Metra will alert customers about the test program and how to identify rail cars with Wi-Fi service.