New Service from TransLink

As you are probably aware I am not the greatest fan of TransLink I do sometimes find their attempts to improve the service at least semi-useful.

The latest in that back-handed complimented area is their new service to provide the time of the next bus at the stop you are standing at via your cellphone and the stop number printed on the bus stop sign. Simple to use, call their transit information number 604-953-3333, press 1 and follow the directions entering the stop number and get an 'estimated' time. The bus is still subject to being swallowed by a pothole; abducted by aliens; beamed up by Scottie, passing you by too full to stop; whatever. It won't help you with the fact that the service is failing but it will give you an idea if there is any point in standing around waiting.

Or in the case last night, warning you that the bus is filled with a group of "thirty something" drunk, white girls who had clearly had their full dose of magic dust and their middle-aged, paunchy and aggressive male companions. That was a bit of circus that was clearly going to end in tears. Particularly, when they trooped off to stagger across Davie (in the middle of traffic) to make a try at getting into Celebrities. I can only imaginge the sinking feeling that must have possessed the bouncer at his velvet rope. Definitely an "Oh Fuck" moment. Not my problem but I must say I wonder what happened.

In any case, being able to figure out if the bus is due sooner then you can walk home may come in useful during the Jazz Festival (by the way here's my reviews and thoughts about the Jazz Festival). Late night bus trips home are not that common for me these days, er nights.