Pinoy in Singapore

So have you ever tried the SBS Transit Ask IRIS (Intelligent Route Information System) Service? It works by sending an SMS to 74744 in the following format <5-digit bus stop code> <space> <3-digit bus service number> and you’ll get a reply telling you how long before the next bus and the subsequent bus arrives.   An SMS charge of S$0.05 applies for each SMS sent.

There are also other ways to Ask IRIS like through the website, GPRS or WAP but I usually use the SMS way.

Some bus stops also have a panel that displays the same information which is even better because it’s free and I don’t have to send an SMS for each bus that I can take to get to my destination.

But lately, I’ve been noticing that the information I get and those displayed on the panels are often inaccurate - as in way off.   Like the other day when I was waiting for Bus 61 and on the bus stop’s display panel it said “Arr” for Arriving so I was expecting the bus to pop out around the corner anytime soon.  Then the panel quickly changed to 16 mins but unless there was an invisible bus that stopped by, I didn’t see the 61 arrive at all.   Now today, I was inquiring for the 151 bus and it told me the next bus was arriving in 41 mins which was a drag.  But fortunately after a minute or two I was surprised to see one arriving.  It seems IRIS is playing with my EQ.