A highly anticipated pilot of Wi-Fi on Metra trains is expected to officially launch within a month on all 11 lines, but some commuters could already be riding in a Metra car with Wi-Fi without even knowing it.
During the pilot one car per line will be equipped with a free Wi-Fi hotspot, with the exterior of cars will clearly marked letting riders know.
Wi-Fi for commuters is something riders have been requesting for years, but according to the Chicago Sun-Times it’s a well-hidden secret that some cars already have it.
As Metra tests out the new system, they have already implemented 10 cars with an active Wi-Fi hotspot, the Sun-Times reports.
Riders won’t see it’s available by a physical sign, but if you check your Wi-Fi network you may find one called “Metra Wi-Fi Onboard” and be able to instantly connect without a password.
Metra officials say the only reason the “secret” Wi-Fi has not yet been announced is because it is in the testing stage.
