NJ Transit to partner with Cablevision for Wi-Fi at stations, on trains

New Jersey Transit will enter into a public-private partnership with Cablevision Systems Corp. to offer high-speed wireless Internet access at stations and on trains, NJ Transit officials announced yesterday.

The Wi-Fi access will be provided to riders via a dedicated, trackside Wi-Fi network — the first of its kind in the United States, according to a press release. Cablevision will implement and maintain the system under a 20-year, no-cost contract.

The Wi-Fi system will be implemented in phases, with the first focusing on outfitting major stations such as Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal. Together, those stations serve more than 100,000 riders on a typical weekday on all modes. The system will be installed at Secaucus Junction by year's end.

Subsequent phases will include equipping additional train stations and rail cars line by line, officials said. The entire project is slated for completion by 2016's end.