VIA Transit unveils text service for bus arrival times

[xsa210tx]

Originally Posted by lessQQmorePEWPEW

isnt this the same as calling the number on the bus sign and getting updated info?

No, it's not the same. For one, when you call the 362-2020 number, you have to call, press some numbers to reach a representative, and it's common to wait anywhere from 1 minute and even up to 10 minutes to just reach a representative (during peak times). If the bus is not running "at minimum" 10 minutes late, you will be told that you to call back when the bus is running 10 minutes late in order for them to be able to "GPS track" the bus.

Now it's possible that they changed this policy but either way it's more about saving time and I don't know anyone who likes to call customer reps to get info. Some of them aren't the friendliest...many of them are overworked, underpaid and they oftentimes deal with the general public and their attitudes and childish behavior,etc.

With this new text messaging service, you get your answer in less than 10 seconds without even having to speak to a person, and for me now, I actually look forward to knowing if a bus is running late!

[TexHwyMan]

Originally Posted by JosephV55

I would just like VIA to offer an efficient and timely method to get downtown on the weekend from Schertz... where I
don't first have to drive to some location.

Schertz is not part of VIA's service area. Unless the city chooses to join VIA and the voters approve (which means collecting the VIA sales tax), then they can't operate there. Most suburbs that haven't already joined VIA have used the remainder of their sales tax capacity for local economic development and therefore have no room under the cap to collect VIA's tax as well. I believe Schertz is one of those cities in this situation.