From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, December 12, 2007

DEVON County Council's mobile phone text messaging service which provides bus timetable information is continuing to roll out across the county.

The 'TXT 4 times' service, which allows passengers to get bus timetable information anytime, anywhere by simply sending a text message, is just one of the ways in which the County Council is improving how people access bus timetable information.

The next phase in the scheme will see bus stops in the Exeter area marked with a sign which includes a bus stop code and simple instructions on how to use the text service. Alternatively, you can find details of bus stop codes on the maps at www.transportdirect.com

The 'TXT 4 times' service currently receives on average 300 text enquiries a week, and that figure is expected to grow as the service extends to more areas.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "TXT 4 times is revolutionising the way bus passengers access service times. Not everyone finds it easy to use bus timetables, but this is a quick and easy way to get the details at your fingertips, and hopefully might encourage more people to use public transport. The scheme will benefit more passengers as the scheme continues to be rolled out across Devon, and as the service continues to be rolled out the number will certainly increase in popularity."

The 'TXT 4 times' scheme is a 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.

For further information about the 'TXT 4 times' service visit http://www.devon.gov.uk/text_messaging_service.htm

Notes to Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

What is the 'TXT 4 times' service?

The 'TXT 4 times' service allows you to get bus timetable information anytime, anywhere by sending a text message.

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.

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