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BUS INFORMATION FROM YOUR MOBILE PHONE
Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is TextTime?

 

TextTime is the service which allows you to use your mobile phone to obtain bus departure information from all stops in the West Midlands. Depending on the service that you use, you may receive RealTime or timetable information. Fior more information see "What is RealTime?" below.

 

What is Realtime?

RealTime is a new service that offers next bus departure information in real timein and around the Birmingham area (please see ‘Which services are fitted with RealTime’). RealTime is taken from 420 Travel West Midlands buses that send back their location via satellite tracking equipment to stop displays or to mobile phones through SMS text.

Are real time predictions accurate?

A series of tests have shown that real time predictions are usually very accurate, especially where a prediction of 20 minutes or less is given. Of course travel conditions can vary over time so the RealTime system learns from previous journeys down the same route before it makes its prediction.

Are all buses part of the system?

No. So far only some Travel West Midlands services are included in the RealTime project (see list of services below). However, scheduled information on all bus services running in the West Midlands can be accessed through the SMS text service.

What's the difference between real time and scheduled time?

Real time is the estimated departure time of a tracked bus. Scheduled time is a timetable time shown when the real time is not available.

Real time count down information is shown in minutes (e.g. "3 mins") whereas scheduled times (TT) are shown as a 24hr clock time (e.g. "14:29").

What does TT stand for on the returned text information?

TT stands for TimeTabled and is the scheduled time of departure taken from the TimeTable. This is for services when Real Time Information is not available. All times for scheduled information are shown in the 24 hour clock format (i.e. 16.23).

How much does it cost to text?

A text message to 84268 is charged at your standard outbound rate plus 25p for the returned text. You will be charged if you send an incorrect or invalid text.

What are the benefits of the SMS text service?

Using the service, passengers can access bus departure time information from home, work, or anywhere else. It also allows passengers to more accurately plan what they do and when they do it.

How does the bus company use Realtime?

Bus companies can view these bus services in real time, which enables them to improve punctuality and reliability. Additionally, safety for the bus driver and passengers is improved as the bus is equipped with satellite tracking and its whereabouts can be seen at all times.

Which services are fitted with Realtime?

Birmingham Area Services:

9, 9A, 10, 11A/C, 13, 14, 14A, 15, 17, 19, 21, 21A, 22, 22A, 23, 23A, 26, 26A, 29, 29A 33, 34A,45, 45A, 47, 47A, 50, 50A, 55, 57, 57A, 58, 58A, 59A, 60, 61, 62, 62A, 63, 63A, 89, 92, 94, 97, 97A, 103, 103A, 110, 138, 138A, 139, 590A, 590C, 694, 934, 934A, 964, 966, 966A, 900, 993.

Coventry services:

Plans are underway to equip all Travel Coventry services with RealTime during 2008.