[Carfreeliving] NextMuni on your cell phone

[Jeremy Nelson]

Many people already know that you can get NextMuni real time arrival info on
your cell phone, but if not see below for this helpful resource.

The only problem I've encountered is that the voice recognition software
they're using seems less than perfect, so the silky smooth robot operator
often misunderstands your voice prompts and you have to start over a few
times before it correctly "hears" your request.  It still beats "standing on
the corner, waiting for the bus".

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Letter to the Editor:  Transportation information
http://www.sfexaminer.com/articles/2005/09/29//opinion//20050929_op02_reader
s.txt

Last week The Examiner ran a story on Muni's "NextBus" technology and how it
helps Muni riders, via electronic signs at Metro stations and bus shelters,
to know when their next bus will arrive ["Muni to expand ‘next bus'
technology," Sept. 21]. However, you omitted an important element: Muni
riders can also call 511 and get this useful information over the phone.

The 511 "Arrival Times" service has been up and running since July. It's
currently available on the J, K, L, M and N light rail lines as well as the
F train, and will be available on bus lines in the future. Callers simply
say "Muni" at the main menu and then "arrival times" to access the service.
Like all 511 phone services, 511 Arrival Times is toll-free. Further
information about the pioneering service developed through a partnership
between the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Muni can be found on
the Web at 511.org.

Melanie Crotty
Director of Traveler Coordination
Metropolitan Transportation Commission