The TTC has launched a new system to make it easier for its bus passengers to arrive on time.
Transit riders can now access real-time arrival times online at Nextbus.com and via text message to find out when the next bus is scheduled to arrive at a specific stop.
Officially dubbed the Next Vehicle Arrival System, the new service, which uses GPS tracking, went live Monday.
People who send a text message to 898882 (TXTTTC) with the bus stop number will receive a response containing the arrival time. The text-messaging service will be available for free until at least September, while the information on Nextbus.com is free.
People are limited to 10 text messages every 12 hours (per cellphone number) to protect against spam.
The data is available for more than 9,300 TTC bus stops within Toronto and more than 800 TTC bus stops in the GTA that are served by contracted TTC vehicles.
The system doesn't apply to Wheel-Trans and community buses because of the door-to-door nature of those services.
A similar system is already in place for the TTC's fleet of streetcars.
Because the data is available to third-party developers, the arrival times will be available on smartphone apps, including Rocket Radar and Next TTC.
LCD, LED screens
The TTC also has plans to install screens that display next-bus information for riders at certain transit stops.
LCD screens will be installed at Bathurst, Broadview, Dundas West, Main Street and Spadina subway stations, while the LED screens will be added to street shelters at Bathurst and Adelaide and Queen and Spadina.
