MBTA seeks sponsors for rail Wi-Fi service

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is seeking proposals to provide Wi-Fi service on commuter railcars, ferries and select commuter rail stations.

The current Wi-Fi service was pioneered under a pilot program in 2008 and is used by thousands of riders daily. The MBTA’s goal is to upgrade the current WIFI service to a system-wide, state-of-the-art standard, at no cost to the MBTA and its riders.

“We are always looking for ways to bring our customers better service,” said MBTA GM Dr. Beverly Scott. “The opportunity to have sponsorship of our Wi-Fi service will aid in our goal of bringing a high-quality Wi-Fi experience to our customers throughout the commuter rail system without the MBTA or our riders incurring any cost for it. It really is a win-win.”

The solicitation provides for access to MBTA-owned rights of way throughout the commuter rail system to construct infrastructure required to deliver high quality and secure Wi-Fi service, as well as provide the successful bidder the opportunity to leverage their commercial services off the infrastructure to be built for the MBTA Wi-Fi system.

The offering includes a sponsorship program that will provide partners with marketing rights and benefits, such as signage and advertising in commuter rail stations, railcars and ferry facilities; corporate presence on MBTA commuter rail system maps and schedules; control of a Wi-Fi landing page; links on the MBTA website; and intellectual property rights.

The MBTA hopes to have a system selected and installation to begin in the fall of 2013 with roll out expected to be completed in phases over some months.

The program is being jointly marketed through Transit Realty Associates LLC and IMG Consulting. Proposal documents are available at www.transitrealty.com.