New Jersey Transit's board of directors has authorized the agency to enter into a public-private partnership with Cablevision to offer high-speed wireless Internet access at stations and onboard trains.

The Wi-Fi access will be provided to NJ Transit customers via a dedicated, trackside Wi-Fi network — the first of its kind in the nation — at no cost to the agency.

“Through customer forums and surveys conducted as part of NJ Transit’s Scorecard initiative, we know that wireless Internet service will be a welcome amenity for NJ Transit customers, enabling those who wish to remain connected during their commute to do so continuously,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chairman James Simpson.

Wi-Fi on the NJ Transit system will be implemented in phases. The initial phase will focus on outfitting major stations like Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal — which together serve more than 100,000 customers on a typical weekday on all transit modes — as well as Secaucus Junction, by the end of this year. Subsequent phases will include equipping additional train stations and ultimately railcars by line.

The project is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2016.

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