AmtrakConnect cellular-based Wi-Fi service is now available on Amtrak trains in the Midwest, with eight corridors now offering this free amenity to Amtrak passengers.

Collectively, these routes carried nearly 3.3 million passengers in the last year and account for about 10% of Amtrak ridership.

“We continually look for ways to improve the customer experience on board our trains. The availability of a free Wi-Fi service that delivers the speeds and connectivity passengers are looking for is yet one more way to achieve this goal and maintain a competitive position among transportation providers,” said Matt Hardison, Amtrak chief marketing and sales officer.

AmtrakConnect utilizes multiple cellular carriers to provide the best mobile experience possible, taking advantage of 4G technologies where available.

Amtrak installed the equipment under contracts with the states of Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin as part of their sponsorship of Amtrak service. This brings the Wi-Fi coverage to about 85% of passengers across the national network.