Translink spokesman Drew Snider admitted the level of negative feedback has been significant after bus schedules were replaced by notices asking transit users to text message or call for bus times.
"It's all under review and was from the start," said Snider. "Actually, the printed schedules are not being taken out of all the tubes. They're being taken out at street level largely because our customer service department didn't have the resources to change them all, but will remain at high traffic areas and transfer points."
Only about 15 per cent of bus stops featured a printed schedule before the change, according to Translink, but that still accounts for over 1200 bus stops and hundreds of thousands of transit users.
http://www.vancouversun.com/Life/Translink+rethinking+removal+schedules+increases+follow/1714219/story.html
The SMS is a brilliant service and should be continued. But not everyone has cellphones or wants to spend .15 cents each time to get schedule info. However, detailed schedules are not necessary BUT first and last bus times, and frequency during the day are necessary on all stops. Don't look at this as cost. It is investment that incrementally improves overall service and customer service and will contribute to increased and satisfied ridership.
Translink is the first transit system in Canada to have produced it's own iPhone app, but other systems do have third party options. Over east in Toronto, riders of the TTC have the very attractive and functional Red Rocket. At only $1.99, it's the #2 paid app in the "navigation" category. For Montreal, there is the $0.99 STM Mobile with full schedule features but no geolocation.
http://www.techvibes.com/blog/translink-launches-iphone-app-with-geolocation