All D.C. transit tunnels equipped with wireless service
Riders on Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) rail system can experience “one of the most connected wireless experiences of any rail system in the U.S.,” following completion of a project to bring wireless service to rail tunnels systemwide.
WMATA, along with partners AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, completed work on the project, which was more than a decade in the marking.
With WMATA’s 100-mile tunnel network now connected to each wireless carrier’s network, customers can communicate or stream content throughout their journey from the street to the station and in the train.
The latest activation brings the final three segments online between Dupont Circle in Downtown D.C. and White Flint in Maryland, the Yellow Line from L'Enfant Plaza to the Pentagon and Silver Line in Tysons Corner.
WMATA and the wireless carriers worked closely with the region’s Congressional delegation on the project, including U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA).
“This is something we’ve been working with Metro and the carriers on for years because it will improve safety for Metro riders and workers,” said Sen. Warner, “The federal government and the region have made substantial investments in making this system safer and more reliable, from rebuilding tracks to introducing new rail cars, and now passengers will be able to use their cellphones underground throughout the system.”
Completion of the underground portion of the Metrorail system adds to the customer experience that already included wireless service in all below ground stations and free Wi-Fi at all 91 stations.
“Bringing this project to the finish line gives riders added security and all the conveniences of wireless connectivity. Customers can text, talk and explore the internet and apps, including Metro’s mobile payment options to load value and manage their SmarTrip account while traveling on Metro,” said WMATA General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “We appreciate the work of the carrier team, the leadership of our Congressional delegation and the support of state and local partners throughout this project. A robust wireless network will enable new technologies to improve real-time customer communications and operate more efficiently.”
The latest coverage additions will add to safety and security by improving mobile communication for customers, WMATA employees and first responders in the event of an emergency.
The installation required more than 400 miles of cabling and infrastructure in WMATA’s extensive tunnel system and additional components in shafts, stations and above-ground connections. Much of the work could only occur when train service was not operating during three-to-four-hour overnight maintenance windows or during other scheduled track maintenance outages.
"This significant joint investment provides a communications network that allows each provider’s customers to stay connected with their friends, families and favorite content when using the Metro system. The cooperative approach adopted by the providers and WMATA was critical in bringing this project to fruition,” said AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in a joint statement.
The project, initiated by the Congressional Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, was jointly funded by an agreement between WMATA and the wireless carriers and addresses recommendations by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments on WMATA’s Underground Communications Systems.
Day-to-day operation and maintenance of the carrier’s communications system will be performed by the wireless carriers who will also regularly test and enhance the network to provide an optimal wireless experience for their respective customers.
