DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Cablevision Systems Corp. (CVC) is seeking to provide its Optimum WiFi wireless Internet service on the Long Island and Metro North commuter railroad systems.

The cable television company's WiFi service, launched a year ago, already is available at roughly 96% of commuter rail platforms and station parking lots serving Long Island and Westchester County. It is also available in other high-traffic and commercial locations such as parks and other outdoor sites in the New York City area.

Cablevision, in its request to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said its approach could provide substantial benefits to MTA and its riders at no cost to the MTA while giving the cash-strapped agency the ability to raise revenue. The MTA is seeking proposals for WiFi service.

Growth at Cablevision's telecommunications business, by far its largest, has been driven by higher numbers of Internet and voice customers. The company plans to spin off its Madison Square Garden and related assets by year's end to focus on its core operations.

Shares recently were up 1.6% at $22.72. The stock is up 35% this year.

-By Tess Stynes, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2481; tess.stynes@dowjones.com