Case Study: Improving Urban Subway and Rapid Transit Connectivity with Cellular DAS at PATH Stations

INTRODUCTION

The PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation) is a rapid transit system connecting New York and New Jersey that serves over 50 million riders annually. This 24/7 underground subway network is the primary route for commuters traveling between these two major metropolitan areas and is the fifth busiest rapid transit system in the country. Reliable wireless connectivity is essential for passengers and operations across this vital transit network.

CHALLENGE

PATH stations, located in densely populated urban areas and often underground, experienced poor cellular coverage. This impacted rider communication, emergency services and operational efficiency. The challenge was to support modern mobile data demands and ensure consistent connectivity throughout the stations, even in the most structurally impenetrable parts of the system.

BOINGO SOLUTION

Boingo installed a neutral host cellular Distributed Antenna System (DAS) at all underground PATH stations. The DAS solution boosts cellular signal strength by strategically placing antennas throughout the stations, enhancing mobile connectivity for all major carriers.

OUTCOME

The Boingo DAS significantly improves cellular service for AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon customers, providing reliable coverage to millions of daily commuters. The network enhances the overall rider experience, improving safety, and ensuring continuous access to mobile services in one of the busiest transit systems in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area.