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8 Nov 07R U Getting The Text Message
Passengers are getting the message about Borough of Poole's new text service which delivers bus times straight to their mobile phones.
The service is now receiving around 400 texts a week from mobile users requesting up-to-the-minute information on bus times from their phones.
And the number of passengers using the text service has increased month on month since its launch in July as more people discover the advantages of receiving accurate timetables for all of Poole's 800 bus stops via text.
At the current rate of use, the service is forecast to deliver at least 20,000 text updates to passengers in its first year.
Borough of Poole provides the service using satellite technology to deliver 'Real Time' information on bus times for most services to people's phones.
Mobile phone users are able to receive the information by using a seven-letter code via text message to 84268.
Every bus stop in Poole has been given a unique code displayed on distinctive signs at each stop. By sending a text with the code, passengers receive a message stating the times for the next three buses arriving at the stop.
Councillor Mike White, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transportation, said: "Many people now carry mobile phones and are able to benefit from the bus information service. I am delighted that Poole is leading the region with this cutting-edge technology."
John McVey, Passenger Transport and Accessibility Manager, Borough of Poole, said: "We are extremely pleased that this service has been so well used in its first few months. The system makes buses an easier and more convenient option for every day travel."
Borough of Poole has received positive comments from passengers who say the new service has cut the time they spend waiting at bus stops.
Texts cost 25p plus standard network charges. More details of the text service and all bus stop codes are available at: www.boroughofpoole.com/publictransport.
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