Train Schedules Now Available Via Text Messaging

Editor's Note: The following is a news release that was issued today (May 11) by New Jersey Transit.

Starting today, NJ Transit rail customers seeking on-the-go train schedule information now have another tool in their virtual toolkit:  text messaging.

NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein today announced the agency’s partnership with CooCoo, a third-party text engine company based in Long Island that already works with the MTA to provide Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road real-time schedule information via text message.

“We have been working toward giving NJ Transit customers as many options as possible to access travel information while on the go, such as DepartureVision, My Bus, Twitter feeds, and the mobile version of njtransit.com,” said Weinstein.  “By partnering with CooCoo, we are providing rail customers with an additional trip-planning tool.” 

To access rail schedule information, customers simply text a station-to-station request to 266266 (CooCoo), and CooCoo will text back the requested information.

For example, text Trenton to NY Penn, and CooCoo will respond with the next scheduled trains as a list of menu options.  For more information, text the letter of the menu option, and CooCoo will respond with details such as fares and travel time, as well as any real-time information from DepartureVision.  To receive train schedules for the next morning, include a time in the text (e.g. Trenton to NY Penn 7 a.m.).

CooCoo also provides customers with the ability to plan regional trips across multiple agencies.  For example, text “Trenton to Jamaica,” and CooCoo will provide the NJ Transit trip from Trenton Transit Center to New York Penn Station, as well as the Long Island Rail Road trip from New York to Jamaica, Queens.

The free text-messaging service works from any phone (standard text message rates apply), and no internet access is required. 

“CooCoo is carrier- and device-independent and works on all cell phones without using the Internet,” said John Tunney, co-founder of the company.  “This is the fastest way to get train schedules on the go.  I’m thrilled that NJ Transit has adopted this cutting-edge, green technology.”