Real time service information for New Malden buses

Who hasn't waited what seems like an age for a bus, and then 2 turn up at once? It's all well and good if the stop has a reader telling you how long you have to wait for the next bus to arrive, but not all stops have these. 

But did you know that you can now get real-time bus information at each stop, simply by texting the bus stop code (which can be found above the information panel at the bus stop) to 87287*, or by going online to find out when the bus will arrive at your stop.

To use the service, visit www.tfl.gov.uk/buses for more information and to view a short, 'how to' film. 

*Texts cost 12p plus your standard message rate. 

I have personally tried the service twice now, and am less than impressed - the first time a message came back in seconds telling me the bus was due in 12 minutes, however it actually arrived in about 6 minutes. The second time I used it the service was not available. Hmmm...

Has anyone else tried the service and if so, did you get an accurate message back, or did you have trouble like I did?