METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Michigan's TheRide Adds Text Message Real-Time Bus Info

The new signs have started to be installed at bus stops and include the bus stop number and details on how to use the "Text My Bus” feature to find out when buses will arrive at your stop.

Michigan's TheRide Adds Text Message Real-Time Bus Info

The new signs at each bus stop will have the route numbers that serve the stop, the specific bus stop number that can be used to receive arrival information by text, and a QR code that riders can scan to look up bus stop information.

Credit:

TheRide

2 min to read


Mich.’s Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) has begun rolling out new signs at bus stops to help riders get real-time information on their buses.

The new signs have started to be installed at bus stops and include the bus stop number and details on how to use the "Text My Bus” feature to find out when buses will arrive at your stop.

Ad Loading...

“While the Text My Bus feature has been around as one of the many ways to track your bus, we wanted to make it even easier for riders to access bus arrival information,” Samantha Potter, marketing and communications sr. program manager at TheRide said. “The new signs at bus stops have easy to follow directions and all of the details you need to get a quick text response about the next buses arriving at your stop.”

The new signs at each bus stop will have the route numbers that serve the stop, the specific bus stop number that can be used to receive arrival information by text, and a QR code that riders can scan to look up bus stop information.

In addition to the Text My Bus feature, TheRide has many rider tools, including “Track My Bus,” which shows you a live map of your route and where buses are along the route, trip planning tools to get you from point A to point B, and schedules by route and the MyAlerts system that emails you detour and service disruption information about your route.

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, TheRide continues to enforce the established preventive measures to keep both riders and drivers safe:

  • Face masks are recommended to be worn, though not required.

  • The driver is to be approached for emergencies only.

  • Buses are cleaned with CDC-recommended protocols.

  • Plastic barriers are added to separate drivers and riders on fixed-route buses.

  • Sanitation supplies are provided to employees.

  • Masks, gloves, and face shields are provided for drivers’ use.

  • Lost and Found collection has been temporarily suspended.

More Technology

A Nova LFSe+ electric bus for STM
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

Biz Briefs: Montréal Debuts Nova Electric Buses and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
Zero-emissions bus with FLEETWATCH technology
ManagementJune 17, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets

In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.

Read More →
A user demonstrating Metrolink's contactless fare payment pilot.
Technologyby StaffJune 12, 2026

Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot

Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driving Change Through Technology
Technologyby Alex RomanJune 12, 2026

METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility

From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT River Line light rail vehicle.
Technologyby StaffJune 11, 2026

NJ TRANSIT Issues RFI for Unified Real-Time Customer Information Platform

The agency is seeking input from companies that provide real-time transit communications systems as part of an effort to enhance the customer experience and modernize how riders receive service alerts, travel information, and system status updates.

Read More →
A MARTA articulated BRT bus
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJune 11, 2026

Mobile Apps and Passenger Information Top METRO's Business Briefs

In our latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Masabi, Axentia, Moovit, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

Biz Briefs: Masabi Partners with LANTA and More

In this edition, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Alstom purchasing site for Acela network manufacturing
Railby StaffJune 4, 2026

Alstom Acquires Delaware Site to Support Amtrak NextGen Acela Fleet

The company is investing more than $55 million to acquire and improve the property and will employ approximately 100 people at this site once it is operational.

Read More →