Bus schedules now available by text message

Edmonton Transit schedules are now available on cell phone.

The City has just launched a service that sends bus and LRT times by text message.

The serviceoffers only scheduled arrivals right now rather than real-time information, said Nathan Walters, Edmonton Transit spokesperson.

"It will list the next six bus stop arrivals to arrive on your phone," he said.

"There are those situations where there may be a blizzard outsideor heavy snowfall. But, overall, I think it's quite accurate, in terms of, considering that it is scheduled time."

The service may eventually include real-time data that tells when your bus will actually arrive, Walters said.

The city hopes to make money by selling ad space within the texts.

The service is accessible by sending a text message to 31100. The message must include the bus stop number, found on the bus signs at each stop.

Standard text message charges apply.