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What is “Text 4 Next”?

“Text 4 Next” is OCTA’s new text messaging program that will allow bus customers to use their cell phones to get the next 3 scheduled times the bus will arrive at their bus stop.

Here is how it works:
628246 (OCTAGO)

The key word (bus), your stop number and your route number.
Example: bus 3563 71

The next 3 scheduled bus arrival times for that stop, based on the time the text message was sent.
Example: 
959a route 071
1034ap route 071
1109a route 071

If you want to check the arrival times of future trips, lets say your ride home in the afternoon, you can also get that information. In addition to the stop number and route, you will need to add the time and/or date.

Same Day Example:bus 3563 71 400p
Get Example:426p route 71
501p route 71
536p route 71
Future Day Example:bus 3563 71 1100a 102309
Get Example: 1109a route 71
1144a route 71
1219p route 71
Rules for success:
There are some rules that need to be followed when entering the information to ensure you get your desired result. If you do not receive a return message in 2 minutes or receive an error message, check your input data.
  • You must enter the key word first: bus
  • You must enter the information in the proper sequence: stop number, route, time, date
  • You must enter one space in between each piece of information.
  • For time, you can enter any time format, but must include “a” for “am” or “p” for “pm” when entering non-military time.
  • For date, you must enter in the following format: MMDDYY

What you need to know about Text4Next.

What is Text4Next?
OCTA’s Text4Next program is a Short Message Service (SMS) that allows users to opt-in to receive information from OCTA via SMS or text messaging on their cell phone.

What carriers are compatible with OCTA’s Text4Next service?
Compatible cell phone carriers include: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Nextel, Boost, Alltel, US Cellular, and Cellular One.

What is the cost for OCTA’s Text4Next service?
There is no charge for OCTA’s Text4Next services. However, normal text messaging rates or package deductions may apply. Check your cell phone carrier for text message details on your plan.

Are there any additional carrier charges associated with the service?
Standard message rates apply to all text messages. Message rates differ from carrier to carrier, so please contact your wireless phone service provider to inquire about the details of your plan.

How do I opt-in to for OCTA’s Text4Next service?
Currently, you can only receive bus information from OCTA’s Text4Next program when you initiate the text message. In the near future, OCTA will be offering customers the option to opt in to OCTA Alerts to receive specific bus route rider alerts simply by texting OCTA to short code 628246 (OCTAGO).

How do I discontinue receiving OCTA SMS messages?
Once you have subscribed to OCTA Alerts, to discontinue receiving Text4Next messages from OCTA, you will simply text “STOP” to 628246 (OCTAGO) and you will be removed from the list.

Need help?
For additional help, please email busalerts@octa.net or call our customer information center at 714-636-RIDE (6433).