Submitted by Mike Grenville on Wed, 14 Apr 2004 12:47

Dublin train passengers can now get live status updates by SMS

The DARTXT system was launched at the begining of April by Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan TD.

To use the service passengers text DART followed by their station name (e.g. DART PEARSE) to the DARTXT number - 53700 - and DARTXT will reply with the times of the next DARTs in both directions. Each text costs 30c Euros.

The system provides live system information, not static published timetable, by linking straight into the DART signalling system. This means any service changes, such as additional DARTs for major events, service alterations for DART Upgrade, or any operational issues as they happen will be reflected in the system, providing customers with the most up to date, accurate information available.

The system has been developed in partnership with O2 Ireland but can be used from any mobile phone on any network.

The DART service follows from the Dublin Bus SMS timetable texting service - BUSTXT launched in July 2003 that has been a great success with an average 60,000 requests a month. Instant Bus Timetables

www.irishrail.ie