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Metra to begin WiFi testing on 10 cars by November
Pass the cost on to the passengers ! Metra has a money problem so spending money on upgrades other than the transportation itself is a waste. If customers demand the service then they should pay for it .
Mr. Pack: That is certainly something they will look at. Not a direct charge to those who use it, but a strong possibility is that it will be sponsored and to log into into it, the user will have to see a sponsor’s ad.
If airports can offer free wi-fi without having to see a sponsor’s add, so too can transit agencies.
Offering amenities like Wi-Fi, which people are coming to expect as standard in more and more settings, could influence more riders to choose Metra, keeping it competetive. Making everybody pay for every last convenience would be like installing pay toilets and charging extra for padded seats and air-conditioned cars. Make the service attractive (within reason)–make it something that people will want to ride–and more people will use it!