TfL improves real-time bus information with web and text alerts

The new Countdown service will be available this autumn

Transport for London (TfL) has revealed details of a new service, called Countdown, which will provide improved real-time information for passengers travelling by bus.

Countdown will allow bus travellers either to send a text from a bus stop or receive the latest service information for their area via their web mobile browser.

Travellers can send a text to TfL with their bus stop code, to which a reply will be sent with real-time bus arrivals for that stop.

Alternatively, they can access information through their mobile web browser, which will allow them to search by street name, area and postcode.

Testing is being carried out on both the web and text versions of the service throughout September, and Countdown is likely to be available over the next couple of months.

TfL has awarded three contracts for the development and delivery of these services. A systems integrator contract has been awarded to Telent. The sign, supply, installation and maintenance contracts have been awarded to ACIS and Trueform.