VIA riders can now get real-time bus arrival information delivered to their cell phones, computers or other mobile devices. The information sent to riders will be based on the real time status of their bus not just the printed bus schedule times. Just text JOIN and then your 5-digit bus stop number to 52020 and you will receive a return message with the time your bus is expected to arrive at that stop. One reply per request, MESSAGE AND DATA RATES MAY APPLY. This same information is available by sending an email to nextbus@viainfo.net. Terms and Conditions Apply

Instructions

TEXT JOIN to 52020 (message and data rates may apply) to signup. After signing up, TEXT your 5-digit bus stop number to 52020 to get estimated bus arrival times for that stop (one reply per request, message and data rates may apply). You can also send an email to NextBus@viainfo.net with your bus stop number in the subject field. If you include a specific route number after the bus stop number, you will receive arrival times for that route only.

Examples:

• Text 47647 for the next arrivals at San Pedro & Myrtle
• Text 47647 3 for only the next Route 3 arrivals at San Pedro & Myrtle

Bus stop numbers are posted on the signage at every bus stop. In addition bus stop numbers can be found online using our new Bus Stop Lookup service. You can also see bus stop numbers at maps.google.com. Once on Google you can zoom down to reveal blue bus stop symbols. Select your stop and the bus stop number is included in the stop details. You can also call VIA at 210-362-2020 or 1-866-362-2020 to obtain bus stop numbers.

Within a few seconds you should receive a response to your message. The message will show the times for the next buses arriving at that bus stop.

You should still arrive at your stop at least 5 minutes before the estimated arrival time, and check the next bus arrivals more than once to make sure the vehicle isn't running faster or slower than when you last checked.

How does it work?

Every VIA bus is equipped with a GPS device that tells our system where that bus is at all times. When a bus reaches a bus stop timepoint we can determine whether that bus is on time, ahead of schedule or behind schedule. We call this our schedule adherence. That information is then used along with the last known position of the bus to predict when that bus will arrive at another stop down the road.

What do the screen messages mean?

“0 min” – the bus is at, or very near, your stop. This usually means the bus should arrive within one minute or the bus may have just left the stop.

“4 min” – the bus is estimated to arrive in four minutes.

“9:27a” – the bus is estimated to arrive in more than 13 minutes, in this case at 9:27am.

“9:27a(s)” – an “s” after the time indicates the scheduled time for your bus not an estimate. This occurs when your bus is either too far away to make an accurate prediction or for some reason the bus is not reporting data to the system.

“No Info” - No information is available at the moment. Check again in a few minutes.

“No service / service resumes” – there is no bus service scheduled at that stop within the next four hours and service will resume at the date and time indicated.

“No service at the stop” – there is no bus service scheduled at that stop within the next five days.

How accurate are the predictions?

The system tracks buses on their routes at least every 30 seconds. The accuracy of predictions varies depending upon many factors including changes in traffic patterns, accidents, detours etc… The closer the bus is to your stop the more accurate the prediction. Generally the service is accurate to within a couple of minutes. Because Express service has fewer stops and travels on both highways and local streets, predictions on those routes may be less accurate.

For operational efficiency, many buses change routes when in service, especially approaching downtown. If your stop is just after the point where a bus changes route numbers, the arrival estimates may not be accurate.

We hope this service helps our customers, but keep in mind the times provided are estimates and certain situations including traffic delays can decrease the accuracy.

Tips

1. Because text message replies are limited in number of characters, only the next 6 estimated bus arrivals will be included. If you are at a stop that serves several routes, send the bus stop number and your route number (ex. 47647 4) to receive information for your route only.
2. If the bus is estimated to be more than 20 minutes away, the time you receive will be the scheduled arrival not the prediction. When a bus is that far away it is harder to accurately predict arrivals.
3. Our downtown routes are designated as Red, Blue and Yellow. When you request next bus arrivals for streetcars they will be referred to by the route numbers which are 301 (Red), 302 (Yellow), 304 (Blue clockwise), 305 (Blue counterclockwise).

Beta Phase

This new next bus texting service for our customers is in “beta” stage. While we conducted extensive testing before its launch, we expect to make improvements to the service as we learn from actual customer experiences. If you have a suggestion or comment, please complete this online form.

Terms and Conditions

I confirm that I hold the account corresponding to the mobile phone number I have entered, or that I have the account holder’s permission to use this service. By entering your phone number, you acknowledge that you agree to terms and conditions of service.

The VIA Next Bus system provides mobile users and VIA Metropolitan Transit riders the ability to retrieve the next bus schedule information of a provided bus stop. The request will be sent from the mobile phone to the 52020 short code providing the stop number in the message body.

Text STOP at anytime to 52020 to end use of the service. A confirmation text will then be sent to you stating that your request has been received. To reactivate the service text START to 52020. Also text HELP at anytime to 52020 to request help in using the VIA Next Bus system. Users may also call (210) 362-2020 for further assistance using VIA’s Next Bus system.

There is no cost from VIA to use this service, however, message and data rates may apply. Charges are dependent on your service plan which may include fees from your carrier to send and receive text messages. There will be one (1) Text message sent per Next Bus Request.

The VIA Next Bus System will be available to users of the following mobile networks: Alltel, Appalachian Wireless, AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, Boost Mobile, Cellcom, Cellular South, Centennial Wireless, Cincinnati Bell, GCI, Immix Wireless, Inland Cellular, IV Cellular, Nex-Tech Wireless, Nextel Communications, nTelos, Revol Wireless, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, United Wireless, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile USA, and West Central Wireless.

Privacy Policy

VIA does not sell or distribute cell phone numbers without prior approval from the end user. VIA will not direct market to end users any services for which the end user has not opted in either by cell phone, text message or e-mail. VIA will not disclose or distribute any personal information about an end user, including phone number, name, billing information or any other identifying information.

For further assistance using VIA’s next bus service, please call Customer Service at 210-362-2020.