Use cell to get up-to-date bus info

CapMetro rolling out new signs at bus stops

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Capital Metro is working on saving money and making it easier for passengers to get around the Austin area with the use of technology on their bus stop signage. 

Capital Metro is currently phasing out signage that displays bus timetables at all but the highest-volume bus stops in favor of a new system that allows users to get very specific next bus info at stops using a cellphone and the bus stop’s unique ID number.
Riders will be able to get more information the following ways:

• Text: Text the bus stop ID number to Dadnab ^TM at (512) 981-6221, and receive a reply text with the next scheduled bus arrival times for the buses that serve that stop.
• QR Code: Scan the square barcode on the sign using a QR reader app (many free readers are available from your phone’s apps marketplace), and next bus times and a route map will be displayed on your smartphone.
• Mobile site: Open capmetro.org/stopid/ from your phone and input your bus stop ID number to pull up a mobile-friendly website with the next bus arrivals.   
• Call the Go Lineat 512-474-1200. Use the automated voice system 24 hours/day or talk to a real person weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on weekends, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Have you ever sat the bus stop wondering when the next bus was arriving? Capital Metro is tackling that issue as well.  In 2012, they will have GPS-based real-time next bus information worked into the system. 
Riders may begin to notice the new signs at their bus stops beginning in December and Capital Metro hopes to have all the signs up by the end of February.
The 2,700 news signs are made possible through a grant from the city of Austin and the national Communities Putting Prevention to Work program.

Originally posted on http://www.kxan.com

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