In a system for providing computer network connectivity to transit cars that each include first and second mobile radios, and a memory and a processor in each car performing the steps of (a) causing the first and second mobile radios of the car to enter into a far-field mode of operation in communication with a wayside radio; (b) following step (a), the processor of a first car causing its second mobile radio to enter into a couple mode of operation with a first mobile radio of a proximate car; and (c) following step (a), the processor of a second car causing its first mobile radio to enter into a couple mode of operation with a second mobile radio of a proximate car. In the couple mode of operation, first and second mobile radios in proximate cars communicate only with each other.