Not to over-generalize, but the assumption that 333-33 is at the top of every Vancouverite’s text messaging history is hardly far-fetched. Officially known as the “Next Bus SMS” service, it's a function that is widely loved by everyone — especially by us students who are constantly pressed for time.
A recent change Translink has put forward will now have you texting both the bus stop number and the bus number to 333-33. Upon doing this, they will send you the next two departure times of that bus. You can text up to two bus routes at the same time and Translink will send you the next two departure times for each route in two separate texts.
Of course, to someone who has been used to the old system for a while, this will seem slightly unnecessary and troublesome as failure to text both the bus stop number and the route number will lead to an error message and notice of the bus routes that service the station. This can also create problems financially as those who wish to enquire two bus routes would have to pay for an extra text message.
There is definitely an upside though as it allows more precision and certainty. Squinting at your phone screen at night — even worse, drunk — might lead to misreading schedules.
For instance, there is only a fine line to differentiate between 4 and 14 — this new system can eliminate any mistakes you might make due to misinterpretation.
No doubt many of us will certainly hate this new system, at least until the next change. Then we will all eventually learn to hate that one and commend the system that we used to know.
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