Siri on the Bus

I have a fairly long bus ride to work, it typically takes around an hour. Sometimes I like to sleep on the bus, but I'm always scared of missing my stop. With the introduction of iOS 5, Apple added location-based reminders that can be activated with Siri, or manually if you're on an iPhone 4. Location-based reminders don't work on the iPhone 3GS.

My solution is to create a contact just before my bus stop and set a reminder to alert me when I've reached that spot. It's a 2-step process, but it's fairly easy:

Step 1: Create a contact a mile or so before your stop

1. Open the Maps app and drop a pin by touching and holding in one spot until the pin drops.
2. Touch the right arrow and select "Add to Contacts"
3. Name your new contact something easy. I called mine "Mills and 50"

Step 2: Tell Siri to wake you up

When you get on the bus, simply tell Siri to wake you up when you reach your contact. I just have to say "Remind me to wake up when I reach Mills and 50". If you're on an iPhone 4, just open the Reminders app and add a reminder manually.

That's it! Get some rest without worrying about missing your stop!