Bus info just a text away

Hutt Valley (New Zealand) commuters will soon be able to get bus schedules sent to their mobile phones, but they will have to wait to get real-time information on actual arrival times. So, what’s the point? Starting from July, people will be able to text in the numbers that adorn Hutt Valley bus stops to receive the next three scheduled arrivals. Specific routes can also be texted in for the stop. Project manager Steve Budd, of the Greater Wellington Regional Council, says if the pilot is successful the service will be rolled out progressively across the region later this year and extended to train stations.

People are receptive to migrating to public transport if they're given a reason to do so. This really suits situations where you're not travelling on your normal route.

Texts will cost the standard rate of 20 cents. Err, now I understand.
[Via Stuff.co.nz]