Chicago-hub Amtrak trains to get free Internet

Amtrak trains operating out of Chicago to points across Illinois and the Midwest will soon offer free Internet access. File photo

Amtrak trains operating out of Chicago to points across Illinois and the Midwest will soon offer free Internet access.

The passenger train company says Wi-Fi will be installed on the Chicago-to-Carbondale and Chicago-to-Quincy lines. It'll also be expanded to all four roundtrips on Chicago-to-St. Louis trains; those trains also stop in Springfield.

Among other trains that will have online access are Chicago-Detroit trains and trains from Chicago to Milwaukee.

Amtrak says the plan is to have the online service installed by early February.

About 75 percent of Amtrak passengers nationwide already have the Wi-Fi service, called AmtrakConnect. The addition of Chicago-hub trains will increase that coverage to around 85 percent of its customers.