Program Lets Riders get Bus Schedules via Text

A pilot program being tested in Allegheny county allows riders to access bus schedules for free using text messaging on their cell phones. The service is called RouteShout and is being launched through a partnership between the Port Authority and the mobile technology company deeplocal. 22 select bus stops on thoroughfares that serve students--like Forbes and Fifth Avenues in Oakland and Carson Street on the south side have posted a number that can be texted to find out when the next bus is coming. It does not provide "real-time" information, but rather accesses the Port Authority's scheduled time table. The program is geared toward irregular riders who aren't familiar with a bus's regular schedule. deeplocal CEO Nathan Martin says RouteShout is a better alternative to print schedules which can go out of date quickly and cost money to produce and stock at bus stops. He says for now the program is free, but eventually agencies that subscribe to the service will be charged an affordable monthly fee. He says it is a cost effective way for agencies to modernize communication with their ridership. The service will go public next month.