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SALT LAKE CITY — UTA is testing out a new texting system that will inform commuters when their bus will be leaving from any given bus stop.
If you have ever been at a bus stop and wondered when the bus is going to arrive, UTA is looking to make things easier with a texting system that allows commuters to type in a number from a sign, with UTA texting back with details of when the bus will arrive.
"All of our busses are equipped with GPS technology. We know where they are all the time," said UTA spokesman Gerry Carpenter. "Basically, what this is, is taking that GPS technology that is already in place and passing that information along to the customer."
"People are always wondering, ‘OK, when is my bus going to get here,' and if you've just got to know, you'll be able to do that in the very near future," Carpenter added.
UTA has already been testing out their text system in West Valley City along the bus rapid transit line known as Max. And commuters KSL talked to say they are excited to be able to use the new system at any bus stop.
All of our busses are equipped with GPS technology. We know where they are all the time. Basically, what this is, is taking that GPS technology that is already in place and passing that information along to the customer.
–Gerry Carpenter
"It makes perfect sense," said bus passenger Jim Rose. "It's way more practical than having to call a phone and talk to someone."
"It would be really easy to know when the bus is coming, and so that way you won't be late to wherever you are going or when you need it," added bus passenger Emily Luther.
Several smartphone apps have been developed by commercial companies to track UTA busses, but the texting system could be used on any phone that texts. UTA said the program uses predictive technology, so the bus might not arrive and leave exactly on the minute it says on your phone, but it should be fairly close.
UTA said as more people become dependent on their phones to help them get around, the new texting system is the next logical step to give people information in the palm of their hand. They hope to have the entire system ready to go later this year.
