txtBUS user guide

Who can use txtBUS?

Any Telecom, 2 degrees or Vodafone cellphone user can use txtBUS, whether using prepay or on account.

How much does txtBUS cost?

All text messages to txtBUS cost 20 cents (including GST) and are not included in any free text allowance or special offers (i.e. Telecom $10 txt or Vodafone free weekends). All charges are billed by the mobile phone network. Contact your mobile phone network for any billing issues.

Which routes are available on txtBUS?

All public bus routes within Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa.

Will txtBUS tell you if a bus is running late or early?

No, at the moment, txtBUS only tells you the scheduled times for scheduled bus services. Real time information is being developed now.

How does txtBUS work?

It’s easy. 

• To find out the times the next three scheduled buses are due at your bus stop, text the four digit bus stop number, e.g. 4915 to BUS (287).
• To find out the next three scheduled services for a specific route at your bus stop, text the bus stop number then route number, e.g. 4915,18 or 4915 18 to BUS (287).

Within a few seconds Metlink will reply with the scheduled timetable information you asked for. txtBUS can’t tell you if a scheduled service is running early or late so it pays to be at your bus stop five minutes before it’s due.  At the moment, txtBUS only tells you the scheduled services. Real time information is planned and is likely to be introduced later in  2011.

Other txtBUS services

txtBUS can also tell you when any Metlink bus is due within the next 23 hours.

• To find scheduled bus departures for a future time (up to 23 hours ahead), text the bus stop number then future time, e.g. 4915@1400 to BUS (287).
• To find scheduled bus departures for a specific route at a future time, text the bus stop number, then route number, then the future time, e.g. 4915,18@1400 to BUS (287).
• Remember to use the 24 hour clock, e.g. for 2.00pm key in 1400.

How do I find my bus stop number?

Bus stop numbers are displayed on the green and blue Metlink bus stop signs. You can also use 'Your stop info' on the homepage to find your 4 digit bus stop number.

Where can I use txtBUS?

Anywhere in the greater Wellington region including Wellington, Porirua, Kapiti, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa.

Why should I use txtBUS?

• txtBUS is fast, easy and convenient.
• txtBUS gives you scheduled bus information when you’re on the move. You don’t have to carry timetables or walk to the bus stop to check when a bus is due.
• It is also ideal if your bus stop does not have timetable information.

Help service

If you need a reminder at any time, you can text INFO to BUS (287) for directions on how to use the service. This text will also cost 20 cents.

Points to remember

Please keep in the mind the following when you use txtBUS:

• The scheduled times you will receive for the next three buses past a particular stop will be only for the next 23 hours.
• The scheduled times shown at most bus stops are approximate only. We suggest you arrive at your bus stop 5 minutes before the departure time shown.
• Some bus stops are used for buses that travel in both directions, e.g. Queensgate Stop B - Eastbourne buses will pass it to travel to Eastbourne and Wellington. In these cases the message you receive will include the destination, e.g. 83East@9:05, 81City@10:15. Sometimes you will receive the next 3 buses and they may be in the same direction but not the one you want. If this is the case please call Metlink on 0800 801 700.
• txtBUS is based on scheduled times only and does not provide real time information on actual bus arrival times. We will endeavour to inform users of major disruptions to services such as roadworks, parades, stop work meetings etc where possible.

Error messages

Errors could occur if:

• You text an incorrect or non-existent stop number.
• You text using letters rather than numbers in the stop number such as "855o".
• There are no bus trips in the next 23 hours serving the bus stop.
• If the system is down it will say system not available.
• If you text in wrong information it will say "sorry there are no bus services that satisfy your request. For help phone Metlink on 0800 801 700".