Real Time Information
What is Real Time Information (RTI)
Real-time information is displayed on digital screens at your bus shelter, showing departure times.
The development of real-time information is part of Transport for West Midlands' ongoing work with local bus operators to deliver instant and more accurate service information, so you’ll know immediately if your bus is on time, delayed, or cancelled.
An upgrade to your RTI experience
What is happening?
We have launched an online platform, making it easier than ever to view live bus information per bus stop straight from your smartphone.
Over the coming 12 months, plaques for QR codes are being installed on 6,700 bus stop poles across the region to facilitate access to this platform, which increases confidence when using the bus and puts you in control of your journey.
These codes will later be added to bus shelters, transforming the way you plan your journeys and stay connected on the go.
When will this be available in my area?
The initial rollout of the plaques was for the stop poles between Walsall and Birmingham via Aldridge, Pheasey and Kingstanding.
Throughout the following year, we will further roll out across the Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Coventry, Walsall and Birmingham districts.
The next rollout is planned for Wolverhampton to be completed in the Autumn.
Keep an eye out for QR codes at your stop and get up-to-the-minute information in seconds.
Are you updating the RTI at bus shelters?
We are updating our RTI hardware across the network, through key bus corridors such as Sprint, Cross City and plans to upgrade existing infrastructure, bus stations, interchanges and key high footfall areas.
Additionally, QR codes will be available in bus shelters in phase 2 of the project. Revisit this webpage for future updates.
How to use
1. Open a scanning app or the camera on your smartphone
2. Face the camera towards the QR code on the plaque on the stop pole (all codes will have the West Midlands bus logo at the centre of them).
3. Tap the link that is displayed on the screen to open the webpage.
The page will take a few moments to return the departure information for the stop and provide other relevant messages when applicable
FAQs
The plaques contain QR codes and URL addresses that link to a webpage displaying a “virtual display” specific to each bus stop.
Scan the code on the plaque with your smartphone to view bus arrival times or check if they are cancelled. This information is accessible, including for individuals with disabilities.
The virtual displays mimic the functionality of physical screens.
Electronic screens are not available at all stops. The QR code provides a "virtual" way for customers to access the same information as an electronic screen, along with additional features.
The website has a link in the dropdown menu to the disruptions page. This page shows information about affected routes. It also links to the TFWM website for updates on bus service changes. If a bus does not arrive and there is no cancellation notice or update online, it is the bus service provider's responsibility to share this information.
TfWM are in the process of installing the QR code plaques starting with bus poles between Brownhills and Birmingham.
Addresses that state bus-rt.com link will be redirected to a new weblink https://tfwm.bus-rt.com/(sms code). The new weblink will
1) Include the last five letters of the SMS code to enable quick access
2) Include the TfWM on the address and
3) Show the West Midlands Bus logo to authenticate the link
We will never ask you to enter any personal or financial data.
In the drop-down menu, under the Accessibility Settings, turn the Audio Setting on. Press the play button and stop button to stop.
If you notice any tampering, please report it to https://fixit.tfwm.org.uk. We will arrange with the positioning contractor to investigate the issue.
If a page goes down, please report it to https://fixit.tfwm.org.uk. We will investigate with the display contractor.
If a page displays incorrect or outdated information, please report it to https://fixit.tfwm.org.uk for further investigation.