01 February 2008
Transport and Technical Services (TTS) in association with Connex (Jersey) Ltd are launching their TextMyBus service on 1 February. The system will enable you to find out bus information via your mobile phone.
The process is very simple. Every bus stop has been assigned a four digit code number, which is written on the road at each stop. To find out the how long it will be until the next two buses arrive at your stop, you need to text your stop number to 66556 and you will receive a text message reply telling you either how many minutes the next two buses will take to get to reach your stop or their scheduled time of arrival within a two hour period. The buses are tracked by satellite and so the information can be provided real time, when available.
Currently, the service only costs the same as a normal text message. TTS will be looking for advertisers or sponsors to cover the cost of the service.
TTS worked closely with Jersey Telecom to provide the service to bus users. Unfortunately, this service is currently not available through all mobile phone providers, testing is ongoing and it is hoped that all mobile phone customers in the Island will soon be able to access the service.
This satellite tracking of the buses also enables Connex to monitor the progress of the buses on their routes. In the Summer, when there are more bus services, it will enable Connex to manage the allocation of stands at Liberation Station.
“This is yet another step in making bus usage more appealing,” said Deputy Guy de Faye, Minister for Transport and Technical Services. “I think this service will be very popular with bus users. People will no longer be reliant on bus timetables for finding out service information. I’ve already used the service during testing and been able to time getting to my stop just before the bus arrives, eliminating a longer wait in bad weather. It’s been great!”
Tim Ringsdore, Jersey Telecom Sales and Marketing Director, added “We are pleased to have been involved in providing this service to Jersey’s bus users and expect that it will prove to be a useful enhancement when using Jersey’s buses.”
Download TextMyBus Leaflet (size 289kb)
gov.je