Connecting New York: Boingo Brings 5G & Wi-Fi to Long Island Rail Road’s Jamaica Station & Atlantic Terminal   

New York’s Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is one of the largest and busiest commuter railroads in North America and is an integral part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s regional transit system. Each day, the LIRR can serve an estimated 300,000 passengers, offering a wide range of routes with local and express trains for both urban commuters and suburban residents.

Challenge 

The LIRR faced a critical challenge in ensuring seamless communication for safety, operations, and an enhanced rider experience, particularly in high-traffic transit hubs and tunnels where cellular dead zones posed risks and inconveniences. 5G coverage was needed at Jamaica Station, Atlantic Terminal and the tunnels connecting the two stations. Modernizing these historical transit hubs built in the 1800s posed significant design and construction challenges. Further, the network had to be deployed in the active stations without disrupting train service.  

Solution 

Boingo custom designed, deployed and manages a converged, neutral host network that enables robust 5G coverage and fast, free Wi-Fi. Cell connectivity is now available for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon subscribers at Atlantic Terminal, Jamaica Station and in the LIRR tunnels connecting the two stations. 

Outcome 

Boingo’s unique expertise in connecting large transit environments ensured 5G and Wi-Fi networks were deployed seamlessly at Jamaica Station and Atlantic Terminal without impacting day-to-day train service. The expanded wireless infrastructure elevates the customer experience, improves operations and enhances safety, allowing riders to access their mobile tickets and the LIRR TrainTime app for up-to-the-minute information on train schedules and platform changes, as well as get connected to streaming apps, phone calls, texts and work on the go. 

“Fast, secure connectivity is essential to New York’s transportation systems and the MTA, LIRR and Boingo have been hard at work modernizing these systems with next generation communications infrastructure,” said Boingo CEO Mike Finley. “Boingo is uniquely equipped as a neutral network provider that brings all Tier One cell carriers together to provide a seamless and enjoyable connected public transportation experience. Boingo’s network completion marks an incredible feat of engineering to deliver wireless coverage throughout miles and miles of complex tunnel and platform environments. Our team is proud to connect New York and do our part in satisfying wireless demands for an enhanced rider journey.” 

For more insights, download Boingo’s 5G and Wi-Fi playbook for mass transit at boingo.com/transit5G.