NJ Transit riders now have unprecedented access to bus schedule information while on the go, thanks to the launch of the agency’s “My Bus” system, which enables travelers to find out when the next bus is arriving at more than 19,000 bus stops all over New Jersey. 

“My Bus is part of our ongoing effort to use technology to improve the way customers access travel information,” said NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein. “Through My Bus, any customer who has the ability to send a text message literally has bus schedule information at their fingertips. In addition, this enhancement makes automated bus schedule information available 24 hours a day for the first time.”

Based on a system of bus stop ID numbers — unique five-digit numbers NJ Transit has assigned to each of its bus stops — My Bus enables customers who have cell phones with SMS (text messaging) capabilities to receive bus schedule information for a specific stop directly to their phones. Customers can also obtain their bus stop ID online at njtransit.com/mybus. 

Starting on Tuesday, customers may text their five-digit bus stop ID to “MyBus” (69287), and My Bus will respond via text message with the routes and times for the next scheduled trips that serve that bus stop.

As part of the program, NJ Transit plans to post My Bus signs at bus stops statewide, displaying the bus stop ID and instructions for how to use the My Bus system. Sign installation will begin in Atlantic County next month and will be implemented across the state by the end of 2011.

My Bus is also improving the functionality of the transit agency’s interactive voice response system. Now, when customers call NJ Transit either directly at (973) 275-5555 or via 511, they have the option of inputting their bus stop ID number to get the next three scheduled trips or more.