Transportation Expert Believes Metra Will Eventually Put Wi-Fi In Trains

(CBS) -- A Chicago transit analyst says Wi-Fi is likely coming, maybe within a couple of years to Metra.

DePaul University Transportation Professor Joe Schwieterman says his survey suggests intensive laptop usage is up 20 percent on Metra by commuters turning trains into offices.

"I think Metra knows it is going to be a gradual process. They need look at a subscription-based services or maybe just a couple cars on the train but the do-nothing approach doesn't seem to be viable," said Schwieterman.

Schwieterman says Metra is well aware of customer communications needs and thinks the commuter rail service could begin gradual Wi-Fi rollout, possibly on the southwest suburban Rock Island line in a year or two.

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