Bus riders may dial in for info

Bus riders throughout North Idaho can access public transit provider information online and by calling Idaho's 511 Traveler Services system, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.

A recent upgrade to the 511 telephone system gives callers the ability to identify their location, select a preferred transit provider and then be connected directly to that provider for bus schedule and route information.

To access the service, callers should dial 5-1-1 and then select menu option number four when prompted.

"The transit feature allows bus riders to be directly transferred to the transportation service provider they are interested in," said Randy Kyrias, ITD Division of Public Transportation administrator. "As a result, Idaho's 511 Traveler Services system is a more complete tool for helping move Idahoans, whether they choose to ride the bus or drive."

The service connects to 12 of Idaho's transit providers, including Citylink and North Idaho Community Express,

In addition to the phone system improvements, the recently launched 511 transit website at 511.idaho.gov links web users to information for the transit providers participating in the telephone system.

For more information about Idaho's effort to improve mobility options, visit www.i-way.org. - Brian Walker