txtBUS is a bus information service available to mobile phone users.

Simply text your bus stop number to "BUS" (287) and it will let you know the time of the next three buses scheduled to pass your bus stop, eg 4915 to BUS (287).

See the txtBUS user guide for details of all the message options available.

Any Telecom or Vodafone cellphone user can use txtBUS, whether using prepay or on account.

All text messages to txtBUS cost 20 cents (including GST) and are not included in any free text allowances/special offers (ie Telecom $10 txt or Vodafone free weekends). All charges are billed by the respective mobile phone network providers. For all billing issues contact your service provider.

All public bus routes within Wellington, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Kapiti and the Wairarapa. Times for trains and intercity buses are not available at this time.

At the moment txtBUS only tells you the scheduled times for bus services. Where possible information on major bus disruptions may be provided, however txtBUS can’t tell you if a specific service is running early or late.

Real time information is planned and is likely to be introduced from 2009.

Let us know what you think of the txtBUS service by emailling info@metlink.org.nz.