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Thursday February 9, 2006
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 I've been wondering when the U.S. was going to get smart and offer train times and delay info via text messaging. But, looks like Europe beat us to the punch.
Europeans can now enjoy rail info on the Manchester to London line delivered right to their cell phones. I bet they're saying, it's about bloody time!
The service is called TrainTracker Text developed by MBlox (a mobile transaction network) and Kizoom (builds and operates services for public transport). This is how it works:
To view departure times from Oxford Station to anywhere, type DEP and then the station name to 484950. To view arrival times, from Oxford Station to anywhere, type ARR and the station name to 484950.
The service does get a little more advanced, allowing you to text for dep/arr times from 2 specific stations or from a specific time. And if the train is delayed or cancelled, you'll receive a message saying so. But even when you know the train is coming, you still might have to wait awhile. Why not read a magazine on your phone, too?
Standard text-messaging rates apply. Try the free demo.
[Found via TechDigest]
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February 9, 2006 2:28 PM
I love how in London, the overhead electronic signs let you know when the next train will arrive in a Tube station. The electronic signss even support multiple lines servicing a single platform. I wish the NYC subway would implemement a similar system. Back in the NYC area, you can setup an auto-text alert on www.njtransit.com that will let you know when trains are running late on the line(s) you usually take.
February 9, 2006 2:43 PM
Really? I didn't know that NJTransit offers text alerts (I take the MetroNorth). That's good to know though, since I'll be taking the NJTransit when I move. Unfortunately, I've never been to London, but I wish the NYC subway would incorporate a similar system too. I thought I had remembered the MTA discussing that, but a project like that would take years to build.
February 9, 2006 8:23 PM
SMS services relating to train timetables and service delays has been available in Melbourne, Australia for quite some time now. Details can be found at http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au/trip_smstt/index.asp
February 10, 2006 10:47 AM
NYC has the electronic information boards on the subway platforms (at least in Manhattan). Though I think all they show right now is "Thank you for using MTA" and the time. It would be great if they used those "budget surpluses" to pay for the means to display the upcoming trains. Check out http://www.njtransit.com/sa_travel_alerts.jsp for active NJ transit alerts, and https://www.njtransit.com/mt_login.jsp to setup text messaging alerts.