| Standard | Accessibility | Home | A to Z | Site Map | Contact Us

You are in: home > transport & roads > public transport > bus information > services >

Services

Text messaging service

picture of mobile phone

What is the 'text 4 times' service?

This is a mobile phone texting (SMS) service which allows you to get bus timetable information anytime, anywhere by sending a text message.

How does it work?

Simply text an 8-letter bus stop code - starting with DVN for 'Devon' - to 84268 and you will get back the arrival times of the next three scheduled buses due at that specific stop.

You can also customise your message to allow you to pick a specific bus service by simply adding the bus service number to the end of the bus stop code (you must put a space between the bus stop code and the service number).

The service is automated and operates 24 hours a day, every day.

How do I find the bus stop code?

 

Most bus stops in Devon are currently being marked with a sign which includes a bus stop code.

Bus stop codes are unique, so information received relates only to that specific stop.

You might want to pick the bus stop nearest to your house, the stop you use to get to work or even the one nearest your school or college and store it on your mobile phone for when you need it.

You can also find details of bus stop codes on the maps at Transport Direct.

To use, put your address or postcode into the box and click "next" - check the names of the stops which appear in your area (you may need to zoom out and then zoom in on the stops - the stop names and code appear only when zoomed in to the largest scale).

How much will it cost?

The message you send is charged at your normal network provider charge. The returned message costs 25p, however for a limited period only the service will be free.

Which bus routes is the service available on?

The Short Message Service (SMS) is available on all bus routes across Devon.

How to text

  • For next departures

Text the bus stop code e.g. DVNDTAJT to 84268 to get the arrival times of the next three scheduled buses due at your chosen stop.

  • For next departures on a specific bus service

Text the bus stop code and add the bus service number to the end of the code, e.g. DVNDTAJT 57 to 84268 to get the arrival times of the next three scheduled buses for your chosen service (the example above would show service 57 bus times).

You must put a space between the bus stop code and the service number.

Please note - At present the service cannot provide details of connecting services.

If you see an asterisk after the time this is when the bus is expected to actually arrive. I.e. the service is not running to the timetable due to a delay.

Further information

The introduction of the SMS project is a further development of the Traveline bus information service organised by South West Passenger Transport Information (SWPTI) - a partnership of 18 local authorities and 14 bus companies in the South West.

Comments and queries

If you have any comments about the text messaging service please select the DevonBus online enquiry form.

For any enquiries about the traveline txt 4 times service, please use the email address below. When submitting your question please provide as much detail as possible.

Email travelinesw@btconnect.com

back to top

   

Page Updated 18/05/03