Passengers using buses between Penzance, St Just and St Ives can now send a text message to find out when the next service is due.

The text alerts for the number 10 Penzance to St Just bus service and the number 17 St Ives to Penzance bus service are for people who do not have a "timetable to hand" according to Cornwall Council.

Time tables are already available via most mobile phones, without sending a text or spending any money, however the new system will offer ‘real time’ information at some of the stops.

Each bus stop along the 10 and 17 routes now has a stop code and a QR code. In some areas along the routes passengers with a mobile phone can also receive ‘real time’ information if the bus is running late.

Funding was set aside from the Council’s Local Transport Plan for the scheme to "help improve information available for bus passengers using rural stops in the former Penwith area", however the council has not released how much money was spent.

How does the service work?

• Accessing bus timetable information is quick and easy, all you need is a mobile phone. Using your mobile phone simply follow the instructions on the panel found at the bus stop, you have the following options;

o Text the unique stop code to 84268, you will get back the departure times for the next few buses from your chosen stop.

o Scan the QR barcode using your phone; you will need to download a QR code reader.

o Use mobile internet to visit www.nextbus.mobi and enter the bus stop code.

SMS text messages are charged at the standard network rate and the return message is free. 

Users may also be charged for using the web on their phones.

For more information visit http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=4471