By Tom Long, Boston Globe

3/9/08 - Complimentary fan mail to the people at the T? That's right, the following e-mail attaboys are from riders writing while riding and raving about a pilot program that has provided wireless Internet access on some cars on the Framingham/Worcester line since late January.

"Best thing the MBTA has done in many, many years to improve the rider experience."

"I can leave the house later and start work on the train spending more time with my kids. Not to mention that the 2 hours that I gain in my workday have significantly increased my productivity!"

"It makes me want to continue commuting for more years via MBTA trains."

The Wi-Fi Commuter Rail Connect test program allows riders with laptop computers, cellular phones, PDAs, or other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to access the Internet during their commutes.

Wireless Internet access has also been available some days on the Newburyport line when equipment normally used in Worcester is in service, offering riders a taste of what lies ahead.

A sign alerts riders when the service is available.

MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo said the pilot program on the Worcester/Framingham line appears to be successful and he expects the T to be advertising for bids for the design of a service that will provide Wi-Fi throughout the system in a couple of months.

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