By Philip Newman
MTA Bus Time, which will enable Queens straphangers to determine where their buses are and when they are supposed to arrive, will go into operation March 9.
“MTA Bus Time has added a new dimension to bus travel, completing installation citywide,” said Thomas Prendergast, chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “MTA Bus time allows you to use your computer or phone to ‘know before you go’ to keep you informed of your bus’ expected arrival at the bus stop.”
Installation of Bus Time on scores of Brooklyn lines will also take place the same day.
Queens routes to get Bus Time March 9 will include the Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10, Q11, Q12, Q13, Q15, Q15A, Q16, Q17, Q18, Q19, Q20A, Q20B, Q21, Q22, Q23, Q24, Q25, Q26, Q27, Q28, Q29, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q33, Q34, Q35, Q36, Q37, Q38, Q39, Q40, Q41, Q42, Q43, Q44, Q46, Q47, Q48, Q49, Q52, Q53, Q54, Q55, Q56, Q58, Q59, Q60, Q64, Q65, Q66, Q67, Q69, Q70, Q72, Q76, Q77, Q83, Q84, Q85, Q88, Q100, Q101, Q102, Q103, Q104, Q110, Q111, Q112, Q113, QM1, QM2, QM3, QM4, QM5, QM6, QM7, QM8, QM10, QM11, QM12, QM15, QM16, QM17, QM18, QM20, QM21, QM24, QM25, X27, X28, X37, X38, X63, X64 and X68.
These additions bring to more than 9,000 bus stops in the MTA Bus Time system and a total of more than 15,000 citywide. Enhanced GPS hardware has been installed in 5,500 buses operating in all five boroughs.
MTA Bus Time was introduced on all bus routes on Staten Island in January 2012, all bus routes in the Bronx in November 2012 and in Manhattan in October 2013
MTA Bus Time can be used in three ways:
1. Click It: From any Web-enabled smartphone or desktop computer, go to bustime.mta.info and enter a bus route, intersection, street address, landmark or bus stop code. You will get an application showing where buses are within the specific route or region you have searched. Click on a bus stop or bus for detailed information.
2. Text It: Text an intersection or street address to 511123 from any cellphone to receive a message listing local bus routes. Choose a route and direction to learn the location of the closest bus stop and how far away the next buses are. Bus distances are given in terms of miles away if the bus is far and in terms of bus stops away if close.
3. Scan It: If you have a smartphone with a QR Code Reader, scan the QR Code printed on the Guide-a-Ride schedules posted at bus stops. Without touching a button, your smartphone will instantly take you to information about buses approaching the stop where you are standing. Because of Hurricane Sandy, some bus stops do not yet have Guide-a-Rides showing the QR Codes and bus stop codes. They will be updated soon.
“Removing the guesswork from the bus trip through real-time arrival information is exciting for me, and I look forward to seeing every bus in the city equipped with MTA Bus Time,” said Darryl Irick, senior vice president for buses for MTA New York City Transit and president of the MTA Bus Co.
Reach contributing writer Philip Newman by e-mail at timesledgernews@cnglocal.com or phone at 718-260-4536.
